Snake Bite in Pets
Living in coastal Australia means that pets will occasionally get into trouble with the local wildlife. Over 6500 animals are brought to veterinary hospitals each year due to snake bites. Obviously, there are areas where snakes are more likely to be found, including reserves, the scrub between road and beach, and any bushland. Fortunately for our furry friends, not all species of snakes are venomous. The python family are non-venomous, although their bites can cause pain, swelling and possible infection. Of the venomous elapid family of snakes, there are two species which are relatively common in the Hastings region. These are the Red-bellied Black Snake and the Eastern Brown Snake. The release of venom during a bite is voluntary, so not all bites are toxic (also known as a “dry bite”).
Snake identification
Colour alone should never be used to definitively identify a snake species.
If the snake is already dead, it can be brought into the vet hospital to assist in identification. However, it is not necessary to identify the type of snake in order to commence treatment. It is important to seek veterinary assistance immediately and any time spent chasing or killing the snake is time wasted.
Clinical signs
Animals may show a diversity of signs depending on the snake involved, the amount of venom injected, the period of time between bite and sickness, and the species of animal bitten. Dogs are highly susceptible to snake venom, where as cats tend to be somewhat more resistant.
Clinical signs may include some or all of the following
Initial vomiting or collapse, followed by a temporary recovery
Trembling, agitation, salivation
Progressive onset of weakness, paralysis, respiratory distress
Dilated, unresponsive pupils
Muscle pain, difficulty swallowing and regurgitation
Profound bleeding disorder with internal or external haemorrhage
Discoloured urine
Local pain and swelling around the bite site
Often the owner is unaware that the dog has been bitten, and some further testing may be required to diagnose the condition.
What to do
Please seek veterinary assistance immediately. Keep the animal as still as possible and quiet and relaxed. It is not necessary to treat the bite wound, or apply a cold press or compression bandage.
Treatment and management of snake bite
The mainstay of treatment of snake bite is prompt administration of an adequate amount of the appropriate antivenom and subsequent supportive care.
In most cases snake identification is not necessary as a polyvalent antivenom is available. Other treatment often required includes hospitalisation, pain management and supportive care including respiratory and intravenous fluid support. This treatment can be expensive, and more than one dose of antivenom is sometimes necessary. The length of time it takes an animal to recover, (not to mention cost of treatment) is affected by how soon after a bite the antivenom is administered. Therefore, early treatment is essential. A delay of greater than 24 hours is associated with a poor prognosis.