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There are 25 types of poisonous snakes in North America. They can be found all over the continent, and the danger they pose is very real. Though not all snakes have a deadly venom, a snake bite will still cause discomfort and stress for your pet. In the case of venomous snakes, time is of the essence in regards to life-saving treatment. Do not attempt any life-saving measures on your own; bring your dog to the veterinary clinic immediately.
Snake bite in dogs is known as envenomation in veterinary terms. Snakes are prevalent in warmer months, and though they generally keep to themselves, snake bites do occur. If you witness or suspect that your dog has been bitten, do not delay in taking him to the veterinarian.
Snake Bite Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$8,000
The symptoms of snake bite may appear within 1 hour to 24 hours after the incident occurs, but it is very important to note that the effects of the snake bite on your dog’s system begin to take effect immediately.
the most common species of venomous snake are classified below.
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The complications your pet will experience from a snake bite range from minimal (as in a non-venomous bite, unless infection sets in) to extremely dangerous, as listed below in reference to a venomous bite.
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If you suspect that your canine family member has been bitten by a snake, do not delay in rushing him to the veterinary emergency clinic. Please remember to try and remain calm. You don’t want your dog to sense your panic because he needs to be kept as quiet as possible while in transit to the clinic. Do not allow him to walk; carry him to your vehicle and try to assure him with your voice and actions.
Do not attempt any home remedies like ice packs or tourniquets; you may think you are helping, when in fact, you are just delaying getting your beloved pet the help he needs.
If possible, carefully bring the dead snake with you, or take a picture of the snake with your cellular phone to show the veterinarian, and assist in the diagnosis. Based on the information you provide, and the clinical signs, your veterinarian will determine the best therapy.
Some veterinarians may choose to use a snake venom detection kit as part of the diagnosis.
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Options and observations may include the following.
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Studies show that the prognosis of recovery is more guarded with a rattlesnake bite than other venomous snake encounters. However, the recovery of your furry family member will depend on several factors.
The age, size of the dog, current health status at the time of bite, and the time that passes before he is treated will all contribute to the recovery success. The bite location can have an impact, as can the size of the wound.
Potential problems that may contribute to the prognosis are bringing your pet to the vet when his condition is grave, the possibility of rapid deterioration no matter what the veterinarian’s efforts may have been, and the inability to determine the type of snake bite your pet received. It has been documented as well that signs of toxicity have been known to appear after a delay when all was thought to be well, and the pet was not being as closely monitored by the owner.
In the event of a successful recovery (and it is possible), follow-up will be needed for assessment of wound healing, and an examination and testing visit to evaluate the return of bodily systems, muscles, and organs to their normal function.
As a pet owner, you must realize that the recovery time could be quite extensive, involving rehabilitation and continued therapy.
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Snake Bite Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$8,000
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Ask a Vet
Pit Bull
7 Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
He has a wound on his tail that is busted open and bleeding
Nov. 23, 2020
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
0 Recommendations
Unfortunately the link to the picture is not working. It is important for a vet to assess the wound ASAP as it likely needs flushing and may also require stitches and/or dressing. The vet will likely also need to prescribe pain relief, anti inflammatories and antibiotics. As he is shaking, he may well be in discomfort or have a fever. In the title you also write 'snake bite' if this is the case, depending on the type of snake he could be in real danger and may need anti venom. The sooner he is seen the better.
Nov. 23, 2020
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Chihuahua Beagle
One Year and 11 Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
I can tell it’s a snake bite but I don’t know what type or what to do. He has a vet but they’re unavailable due to the fact it’s night time.
Sept. 27, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 14, 2020
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Mutt
Eight Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Will my dot survive
Sept. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 18, 2020
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Pit Bull
One Year
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Wondering what I can do tell I can get him to the vet
Sept. 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 23, 2020
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Corgi/ lab mix
Eight Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Think it is a snake issue. Black eyes, walks around with head down, eyes moving. He wants to like hide.
Sept. 5, 2020
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
0 Recommendations
If you are think that your pet was bitten by a snake, I recommend that you take him to a veterinarian right away. Certain snakes like pygmy rattlesnakes and coral snakes can bite and their venom is toxic. Seek veterinary care immediately.
Sept. 5, 2020
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Pablo
Pit bull
4 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
My boyfriend's pit bull was found at the edge of the woods in a thunderstorm, prone and limp. He drove his truck down and got Pablo in the back of the truck. He got him into the house, and as the night went on, the dog became extremely sick, vomiting, diarrhea, unable to walk, drinking a lot of water but vomiting it up. He took him to the vet first thing in the morning, and the vet determined a large, poisonous snake had bitten him on the nose. It has been 48 hours, and poor Pablo is on IV glucose and steroids, still struggling to walk, still not able to eat. Is he likely to survive?
Rufus
chug
9 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
We have a nine year old pug/chihauhua. We are not sure if our Rufus was bitten by a snake or not, however he was outside to potty on Sat but when he didnt come in we went looking. He was under a small shrub beside our home and when called he wouldnt get up. We first thought it was heat exhaustion so treated that accordingly and even put him in the pool to cool him down. He was having respiratory trouble and having trouble standing on his hind legs. While in the pool for just a few minutes he was moving all 4 legs. We took him on to vet for treatment of his breathing and weakness but the vet i went to was 15 min from closing and they said it was too late in the day and I should take him to the emergency animal hospital. Rufus doesn't do well riding so his anxiety got worse causing the breathing to also worsen. When we finally got him to the clinic it was an hour and 15 min later.He was placed in an oxygen kennel and blood work up showed elevated liver enzymes which the vet attributed to a possible anaphylactic reaction to something. His body temp was normal... He had a seizure yesturday afternoon and another this morning. They have him on anti seizure meds and just gave steroids. He also had a broad spectrum antibiotic and fluids. There is no obvious bite marks but could this be a snake bite?
Karma
shiba inu/husky mix
3 Years
Mild severity
6 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Karma was roaming around off leash in a field in Southern Arizona while I was working in said field. She started laying down in front of me and I realized her neck was starting to swell. I was pretty worried as I have never dealt with a snake bite, or even knew anyone who got bit. She was walking around just fine and followed me back to the van where we drove to the nearest vet hospital (40 mins) Her swelling increased a decent amount during the drive but she was still "with it". I couldn't see the wound but it seemed to be her under left jaw/neck fat area. We walked in the hospital and waited for about 20 mins to meet with anyone. Long story short, the vet checked her breathing and it was not affected. He gave her a pain medicine shot which stoned karma out of her mind, which he did not warm me about prior to seeing her totally wig out after they leave us alone again for like 15 mins. They of course recommended an over night stay, which fluids, antivenom, and the works, which would have been $2000. I could not afford that. But thankfully, I considered the fact that dogs are naturally more resilliant to bites, it bit her in the protective neck fat which is a quicker heal process than in the leg or on the face, her breathing was strong and unaffected even though her swelling looked massive. I should add that Karma is 30 lbs and around 3 years old, very healthy and active and gets fed a mostly raw diet. I opted not to give her the antivenom or over night stay. I had already agreed to the horribly narcotic pain killer shot they gave her, and I agreed to antibiotics. Fast forward to healing.. she was very lethargic from the extended release pain shot for the next 3 days. Her swelling moved a lot. It dropped from the gravity, and moved down into her chest and even one leg before completely dissipating. 4-5 days after the bite, I got her to eat some wet canned dog for the first time. She had been drinking water on her own, which was quite a sad spectacle lol. She peed throughout the first few days, but did not pass a bowel movement until maybe 5-6 days after the bite. 3 weeks later she is fine. Small swell around wound site, where scab is starting to slough off. At first I had put wet compresses on her wound to keep it moist to allow for draining, but after the pain killers wore off, she wouldn't let me hold anything to her neck anymore. Moral of the story, if your dog is above 30 lbs and healthy, they can most likely process the venom on their own, and you just need to focus on the wound itself. Karma's didn't bleed until almost 32 hours after the bite. Where it lightly leaked for a day or so. This is normal and needs to happen for the body to release the toxins. Help keep the wound moist, keep cool water close and easily accessible for your dog, only offer SOFT foods for the first 5-7 days after the bite. Do not put a COLD compress on the swelling, it stops blood flow which can lead to clots and frostbite. Give them a soft bed, soft foods, cool water. My dog opted for laying on the cool sand a lot of the time, which makes sense because the ground has anti-inflammatory properties. Read your dog, and keep their limits and strengths in mind. Hope this helps those who feel crazy hearing "go to the vet" over and over again.
Snake Bite Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$8,000
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