By FORBES VETERINARY CLINIC
We have already seen many cases of cats and dogs who have been bitten by snakes this summer.
Although there are subtle differences between the symptoms and signs depending on the breed of snake, the main signs of a snake bite include:
• Collapse followed by apparent recovery
• Lethargy
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• Muscle tremors, shaking and reduced eye blinking
• Dilated pupils
• Sudden onset of weakness/wobbliness (ataxia)
• Complete paralysis (Cats will appear "floppy")
• Inability to control bladder and bowels
• Irregular bleeding from the nose, bit site, mouth
• Discoloured, dark urine (often bloody)
A little known symptom of snake bites in dogs, includes an immediate collapsing event followed by apparent recovery and seeming normal.
This is a sign that the dog has been given a lethal dose of the venom.
Due to the cost of the antivenom and depending on how long your pet remains in hospital, treatment starts from $1500!
- How can I tell if my dog has been bitten by a snake?
It is rare to find the bite site as there may not be a bruise, swelling, or redness.
An animals reaction, signs or symptoms from being bitten by a snake can be varied due to species of snake and not appear clinically significant for up to 24 hours after the bite occurs.
For this reason, it can be difficult to know if your pet has been the victim of a snake bite and we will need to perform a blood test upon arrival.
If you have witnessed your pet being bitten by a snake, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention – the longer your pet goes without treatment, the lower the rate of survival.
If you have seen your dog playing with a snake, and your dog collapses but then gets up immediately and appears to be fine – call your nearest veterinarian to check if they have snake anti-venom as it is likely your dog has been bitten.
- What do I do if my pet is bitten by a snake?
Top first aid tips for snake bites on dogs:
• Do not panic, and keep your dog calm
• Phone your local vet and let them know you are on your way
• If the bite wound is on the face or neck, remove your dog’s collar as the area may swell
• Attempt to reduce your dog’s movement and activity
• DO NOT try to catch/kill the snake
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet or bandage – usually you won’t be able to see a bite site and applying these techniques to an unbitten leg can cause further unrelated issues.
- How do I protect my dog from snake bites?
Australia’s climate is the perfect backyard for snakes; particularly in the spring and summer months when the weather heats up.
Reptiles will seek food sources in places they are not normally found in often entering backyards and sheltering in porches, empty pot plant pots, sheds, fencing, piles of wood, junk piles etc.
To reduce the possibility of snakes keep scrubby and bushy areas cleared and pruned off the ground, remove potential food sources that bring in rodents and keep your lawns mowed short, as snakes don’t like crossing open ground.
- How will the vet treat my dog for a snake bite?
Snake bites are treated as one of the top veterinary emergencies, and on arrival you will be directed straight through the clinic to receive immediate attention.
For this reason, it is always best to ring ahead and let us know that your dog has been bitten by a snake; this way we can prepare for your arrival.
Brown snake venom causes the blood to be unable to clot, therefore the potential to bleed profusely into the chest or via nose and mouth primarily are a concern.
This means snake bite victims may also require blood transfusions and other blood products to restore clotting factors and blood cell counts.
The signs and symptoms of snake bites in dogs can become very serious in nature very quickly, it is likely that your dog will require intensive nursing treatment during recovery from snake envenomation.
- How long does it take a snake bite to kill a dog?
This question is not a straight-forward one to answer – your dog’s survival rate depends on a number of factors including the type of snake, how much venom has been injected, and the time lapsed between the snake bite and when anti-venom is administered.
Each pet responds differently to the venom effects on musculoskeletal and respiratory systems and kidney damage.
The most common cause of death from a snake bite is paralysis of the respiratory (breathing) muscles which can happen within 1 hour after the bite.
