Snakebites in pets are a tricky business. They can lead to complex situations, as the extent and type of harm inflicted by the venom hinge on several factors - the type and age of the snake, the size of the pet, and more. While most pets bitten by a snake will survive, timely medical attention is crucial to secure the best outcome.
Assuming a snakebite on your pet is venomous and seeking immediate veterinary help is the safest approach. However, here are some dos and don'ts to follow until you can get professional assistance.
What You Should Do
- Muzzle your pet: A snakebite can be quite painful, and your pet might react by trying to bite in self-defense. Using a muzzle can keep both you and your pet safe.
- Immobilize the bitten part: If you can do it safely, try to immobilize the part of your pet that the snake has bitten. It's ideal to keep this area at or below your pet's heart level.
- Keep your pet calm and immobile: Your pet's movement should be limited. If required, carry your pet.
- Seek veterinary help promptly: Do not delay getting professional medical help for your pet.
- Try to identify the snake, if safe: Identifying the snake can aid your veterinarian in treatment. However, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE OR KILL THE SNAKE. Instead, a picture of the snake will suffice, but don't bring the snake to the vet's office.
What You Should NOT Do
- Do not cut over the fang marks: This can potentially cause more harm to your pet.
- Do not try to suck out the venom: This is ineffective and can expose you to the venom.
- Do not manipulate the bitten area more than needed: Excessive handling of the area can spread the venom faster.
- Do not let your pet move around freely: The more your pet moves, the quicker the venom can spread.
- Do not apply ice or tourniquet the area: This might keep the venom concentrated in one area, potentially leading to severe muscle damage.
- Do not administer any medications without a vet's advice: Self-medication can complicate the situation further.
Snake venom varies significantly. Some snake venom causes profound shock and instant death, some affects the muscles predominantly, and others have delayed effects that can manifest over days or weeks. Moreover, some venom is concentrated, and some isn't, meaning it might take a large quantity to cause damage.
The primary goal in treating a snakebite is to prevent the venom from circulating throughout the body in large amounts. However, restricting all the venom to the bite area (like when using ice packs or tourniquets) can lead to severe muscle damage.
At the hospital, your pet may receive antivenin as the most effective treatment. However, it's worth noting that antivenin can lead to severe allergic reactions in some pets. Thus, it needs to be administered in controlled conditions and under close monitoring.
Most snakebitten pets will need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment. In some cases, pets might develop large areas of dead tissue that need surgical cleaning over several days or weeks. Remember, when it comes to snakebites, swift veterinary intervention is your pet's best bet.
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