Winrock Animal Clinic
Where pets are family!
Canine Health Alert:
Poisonous Snakebites
Many dogs are bit by poisonous pit viper snakes each year. These include copperheads, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins (also known as cottonmouths).
Typically you know when your dog has been bitten by a snake because you will see immediate swelling at the bite site and your dog will be in a lot of pain. Bruising, severe edema, and vascular destruction happen within 30 minutes of the time of envenomation. Venom itself is extremely tissue destructive causing necrosis and even leading to large open wounds.
Some bites lack venom, while other bites may have a heavy amount of venom. The following factors can effect the amount of venom in a snake bite:
-The time of year-The venom the snake has made since its last bite-The aggressiveness of the snake-The size of the dog being bit-The location of the bite on the dog-The number of bites-The movement of the dog after being bitWhat should you do if your dog gets bit by a snake?
Take your pet to your veterinarian right away. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need the snake to be able to properly treat your pet. Most snake bites are identifiable by looking at the wounds themselves and commercially available anti-venom is a blended pit viper formula which will work for any of the pit viper snakes. If your pet was fortunate enough to get a “low venom” bite and not need anti-venom, supportive treatments are still necessary. IV fluids, anti-histamines, antibiotics, and pain medications are all important aspects of treating snake bites.
Helpful Hint: If you and your dog like to camp, hike, or visit the various National or State Parks throughout the United States, be sure to find out about veterinary offices in the area. You never know when your best friend may need a doctor.
Copperhead photo from Jeff Bartlett's report for Mrs. Gemerand's Science Class
Diamondback Rattlesnake
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