SNAKE BITE - Dogs
SNAKES
Snake Bites
There are a number of species of snake in Cyprus, most of which can inflict a bite, and all instances should be referred to your vet as soon as possible. However, the only one which poses an immediate threat to your pet’s life is the blunt-nosed viper. If you suspect your pet has been bitten follow these steps and remember speed is vital. Where possible identify the type of snake that has bitten your pet (see Snake Identification below), but please don’t kill it unnecessarily.
Symptoms
Normally you will know immediately when your pet has been bitten. You will hear it yelp, and you will see the distress and panic. Your pet will appear weak, and may be unable to walk. If the bite is near a vein, shock can set in very fast and they will become very floppy and distressed.
Locate the area of the bite, most likely to be on the nose, face, front legs or chest. The wound will be oozing blood, painful, and beginning to swell.
In the case of a viper bite the symptoms are accelerated and more severe; in other cases symptoms are more mild and localised.
Treatment for snake bite
1. If you can, if the bite is on a leg, apply a tourniquet a hand’s width above the bite. The tourniquet must be released every 45 minutes. Keep your dog as still and calm as possible (get it into the car and lay it down).
2. Mix the hydrocortisone with the sterile fluid in the ampoule using the hypodermic, keeping the needle from touching anything that could contaminate it. Shake the bottle to ensure a good mix. Insert the needle into the bottle through the rubber seal and draw the fluid into the hypodermic, hold the syringe vertical needle uppermost and press the plunger to expel any air (this is vital).
3. Inject your pet into the muscle of its rump keeping the needle clear of any underlying bones.
4. Get to a vet immediately.
NB. Anti-venom can be obtained only on prescription from a doctor or the vet, it has a limited storage life, and must be kept in the fridge, so there are obvious problems in keeping it in the Village, though this may be a possibility when we have the new Health Centre. It is far better to administer the hydrocortisone salts and get the dog to John in Avdimou as fast as you possibly can, but we will keep this option under review.