Meadows Vet News

Although very early we need to warn pet owners that snakes are already making an appearance! The signs of snakebite vary depending on factors such as type of venom and amount of venom injected. Dogs are more commonly bitten on the face or jaw, cats on their paws. Signs may include:

DOGS

• Unsteadiness, hind leg weakness, dilated pupils and worsening paralysis

• Respiratory distress, red-brown urine, complete paralysis and coma

• Evidence of bleeding

• Shaking and excessive salivation

• Death can occur within 2 hours of snakebite, even within 30 minutes

CATS

• Dilated pupils

• Progressive weakness leading to paralysis – first your cat may look like it is bunny hopping because the hind legs are becoming paralysed

Just a warning with black snakes that sometimes symptoms do not show for 12- 24 hours. If there is a possibility your pet may have been bitten, please contact us immediately. Unfortunately, being bitten previously does not give your pet any immunity to further bites nor deter them from being inquisitive. First aid includes keeping your pet quiet. Carry your pet rather than let it walk to avoid speeding the spread of the snake venom. Contact us as soon as you suspect your pet may have been bitten.

Finally, if your pet has been bitten by a snake or has been badly injured please get someone to phone ahead to let us know you are on your way. Then we can make sure we have a vet and any equipment or drugs ready to make treatment quicker and less stressful for all concerned.

Check out our website or give us a ring on 08 8388 3455 if you would like to know more!