1) Know WHERE to go - Know WHO has anti-venom
2) Have an emergency PAYMENT PLAN and know your grant options
3) ANTI-VENOM RIGHT AWAY - Don't Delay

Rattlesnakes are a type of pit viper that causes the highest rate of snake bite fatalities in the US.  They have hemotoxic venom, meaning it destroys the red blood cells.  The venom also attacks the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.  All of which can be fatal or cause permanent or long term injuries.  Being treated immediately helps prevent the venom from taking full effect, greatly improving the outcome.

According to UC Davis, there are around 250K cat and dog rattlesnake bites in the US every year.

Toby was bit on the right side of the muzzle by two Timber (Canebrake) Rattlesnakes.  Externally, his head swelled to three times the normal size.  Internally, his blood was turning to jelly.  Neurologically, his rear feet knuckled under for about two months.  He still has and likely always will have neurological damage to his rear feet and legs.  Toby has learned to lift his feet differently, such that he now walks properly on the foot pads.  He has even learned to bunny hop run quite fast!

Watch what happens when viper venom is added to human blood.
Shocking!!!  Hard to watch, knowing this was going on inside our precious Toby. 
ANTI-VENOM RIGHT AWAY - Don't Delay

Does the Rattlesnake Vaccine work?

After learning that there is a Rattlesnake Vaccine, I asked our vets if it works.  The common consensus among the vets at our practice (in Georgia), most vets in the area, and all of the research I've found is - No, the Rattlesnake Vaccine is not effective against Timber (Canebrake) Rattlesnakes or Eastern Diamondbacks.

The Rattlesnake Vaccine is a Crotalus Atrox (Western Diamondback Rattlesnake) toxoid and is labeled "for protection against the venom of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake."  The venom is both different and lower in toxicity.

How to Prevent Rattlesnake bites?

Ha, well, that's easier said than done.  However, here are a few things that will at least help.

1)  Remove debris, yard waste, places for the snakes to hide
2)  Use deterrents to establish a perimeter - Snakes hate ammonia, clove, and cinnamon
3)  Train your dog to 'alert' but 'leave it' when encountering a snake
4)  Keep your dog on leash when in areas where rattlesnake encounters are possible.

As I said, these suggestions may not all work in the country-life setting.  But, being aware and alert are key!

R U Rattlesnake Ready ?

1) Know WHERE to go - Know WHO has anti-venom
Much to my surprise, not every vet carries anti-venom.  So, be sure to know IN ADVANCE who has it.  You'll want to make sure you know both a daytime and after hours location.  And, program those numbers into your phone.

2) Have an emergency PAYMENT PLAN and know your grant options
Most vets require advance payment - as in, no money, no help.
How will you pay the vet?  Emergency funds?  Available credit on your card?  CareCredit?
Know what grant options there are and what you qualify for before there is a need.  Grant money is paid directly to the service provider and must be within 30 days of the emergency.

3) ANTI-VENOM RIGHT AWAY - Don't Delay
The external, visible symptoms after envenomation may be minimal to none at all.  However, it's what's going on inside that can be fatal.  By getting the Antivenin (anti-venom) injection right away, you can eliminate or greatly reduce the severity of venom reaction/effects.  The anti-venom encapsulates the venom, preventing or minimalizing bite reaction.  Seriously, DO NOT DELAY - have the Antivenin injection administered immediately on arrival at the vet or ER clinic.

EXTRA TIPS:

DO NOT try to suck out the poison.  You could cause more damage than good.  And, you could end up poisoning yourself.  Yikes!

DO try to determine the type of snake, if safe to do so.  IF you decide to kill it, use extreme caution.  Most humans get bites when they're trying to kill the snake.

Stick to the plan, stick to the plan.

* Don't Panic *

Being Rattlesnake Ready may very well save the life of your beloved pet.  This is info you NEED to know but hope you never HAVE to use it.

Speaking from experience, if your baby is bit, it's gonna be SCARY!  Um, that's totally normal, lol.  Know The Plan - Stick to The Plan - Don't panic!

THE Rattlesnake Ready PLAN

1) Know WHERE to go - Know WHO has anti-venom
2) Have an emergency PAYMENT PLAN and know your grant options
3) ANTI-VENOM RIGHT AWAY - Don't Delay