Snake Bites
If your pet has been bitten by a snake call us immediately at 480-488-6181.
Every year Animal Health Services sees many Desert Dweller attacks and incidences. In order to raise public awareness we have dedicated our “Bite Club” to all the pets that have been attacked or injured by reptiles, animals or dangerous plants/foliage. If you have a picture of your pet due to one of these circumstances and you would like to pass your story along to our visitors, please send it to our pet gallery and we will post it on our Bite Club pages.
With Arizona having 18 of the 30 types of rattlesnakes we are commonly faced with dealing with these desert creatures. It is important to understand how to deal with the rare emergency of a snake bite in one of your pets. Home remedies or across the counter gadgets are not effective in curing snake bites. The best time spent treating a snake bite is looking for your car keys so that you can seek professional medical care as soon as possible.
The longer you wait, the longer the toxin has to work. Treatment is based on aggressive fluid therapy, monitoring for blood changes, and treatment with antiserum/antivenin. Antivenin is the most important aspect because it will neutralize the toxin preventing further damage to the tissues and minimizing blood loss. In animals commonly one vial is all that is necessary to counter the effects of the venom. The latest recommendation is to give the antivenin to all patients because of the unpredictability of the appearance of the bite and the delayed reactivity (6-8 hours) in some patients in response to the toxins.
Poor Boomer was bitten in the nostril by a small 6 inch baby rattlesnake. Notice the extreme facial, muzzle and neck swelling; this is often a symptom of snakebites. As you can see, Boomer is typically a slender-faced handsome boy!
A snakebite in the leg can cause extreme pain and tissue damage. The healing process takes a lot of time and often scar tissue remains.
This cat was bitten by a rattlesnake in the paw. Unfortunately, an attack from the front usually means it was facing the snake rather than trying to avoid it.
Ways to avoid Snake Bites:
•Snake Avoidance Training -Rattlesnake avoidance training is fast becoming the prevention effort of choice. For professional training contact: Ann Austin 480-488-1588 or AnnAustin@wwdb.org or visit Animal Actors of Arizona
•Clear away undergrowth, debris, tools, toys and similar items.
•Make sure that shrubs, bushes and flower plants do not encroach on your pathways or walkways so you have clear vision of anything in your path.
•Clip bushes so that they are at least 10 inches or more off the ground to remove hiding spots for rattlesnakes. Ultimately the idea is to remove any items that obstruct your view of places snakes could hide and where you may unexpectedly place your hands and feet
•Keep bird food and fallen fruit picked up or make sure to locate feeders on the perimeter of your property instead of close to your home or yard. Rodents are attracted by these foods and the presence of these vectors attracts rattlesnakes. For safety’s sake, always peruse your yard before allowing pets out to play.
•When trail riding or walking keep your eyes on the path and brush. Snakes like to warm themselves on the pavement. Keep a cell phone on you to call in case of the emergency or a bite.
