Pet Tip Tuesday- Rattlesnake Bites
How serious are rattlesnake bites in dogs and cats?
- Snake bites are ALWAYS an emergency
- Patient and location of bite determine severity- CAN be deadly especially in cats
- Venom varies with snake
What does the venom do?
- Multiple components to venom- many are enzymes that break down tissue/blood/nerves
o Hemolytic- interrupts the ability to clot
o Neurotoxic- interferes with nerve signal transmission
o Tissue lysis = cell death
What does this mean for an animal that has been bitten?
- Tissue death à pain, infection
What needs to be done if my pet is bitten?
- EMERGENCY!! Get to your veterinarian
- Carry dog, keep heart rate down
o IV catheter and fluids
o Antivenin given IV to STOP venom activity
Is treatment successful?
- YES- anti-venin is very effective.
- Dry bites or low venom need less treatment and less time in hospital.
I have heard about rattlesnake vaccines - can I prevent snakebites and their problems?
- Awareness of surroundings and CAUTION
- Training dogs not to harass snakes
- Vaccine- NOT in place of treatment after snake bite, NOT protective for all components of venom or all types of snakes, MAY lessen severity