Ellsworth vet clinic offers rattlesnake vaccine

Published May 9, 2011
By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Airmen who own pets are now able to visit the Ellsworth Veterinary Clinic to obtain a rattlesnake vaccination for their animals.

The clinic on base charges about $20 per vaccination, which would possibly save the owner thousands of dollars in medical treatment, if their pets were bitten by a rattlesnake.

While the vaccine does not make pets immune to a bite, it does lessen the symptoms and delay the effects of the venom.

"Rattlesnake venom causes nerve problems and kidney failure," said Dr. Jay Heezen, Ellsworth Veterinary Clinic veterinarian. "The vaccine has proven to be very effective if an animal is bitten."

Dr. Heezen said the vaccine is prepared by extracting rattlesnake venom and altering it so it doesn't produce a negative reaction in animals. When the vaccine is introduced into an animal, it stimulates an immunity in the animal that will give the owner more time to get them medical attention.

"We live in an area where there are high incidents of rattlesnake bites," said Sharon Bolda, Ellsworth Veterinary Clinic licensed veterinary technician. "The vaccine prevents much of the reaction."

If a vaccinated animal is bitten, Dr. Heezen said the owner will have a few hours to get them to a veterinarian. However, unvaccinated animals need immediate medical attention, otherwise they could die.

"The severity of the bite depends on where the animal is bitten and the age of the rattlesnake. Younger snakes are more deadly because they don't regulate their venom," Dr. Heezen said. "Getting the vaccine doesn't just save the owner money, it could save the animal's life."