"Rattlesnake Safety"

With spring here, many owners are going out hiking in our beautiful wilderness with their dogs. However, rattlesnakes can pose a real danger in Southern California.

When are rattlesnakes found in Southern California?
They are most active during temperatures between 50 degrees and 100 degrees. In the warmer temperatures, they seek cooler areas under rocks or logs. They are most active during the spring and summer months.

How to avoid rattlesnake bites in pets:

Avoid hiking with your pet during peak season, in areas with tall grass, brush or wood piles.
Stay on the trail and keep your pet on a leash.
Use a walking stick to rustle bushes along the trail to alert snakes of your presence.
If your pet is kept outside, remove all food sources (rodents) and hiding places (wood piles) from your pet’s environment.

Recognizing rattlesnakes

Broad, triangular head, narrow neck
Cat shaped eyes (not round)
Folding fangs
Rattles at end of the tail

Recognizing signs and symptoms of a snakebite

Most bites occur on the face or a paw. Snake venom is a mixture of proteins that includes neurotoxins (nerve toxins) and hemotoxins (blood toxins). The results are varied. In the milder reactions, there are usually 1-2 puncture wounds, acute swelling, bleeding and pain. More severe reactions include severe swelling, trouble breathing, darkened tissues, and uncontrollable bleeding. In general, 20-25% of bites are “dry” (no venom), 30% have mild local symptoms, 40% are severe and 5% are fatal within minutes.

What to Do If Your Pet Gets Bitten:

Remain calm.
Wash the bite with clean water and soap
Keep the animal quiet
Immobilize the bitten area and keep it below the heart
Seek veterinary attention immediately, even if you are unsure that it was a snakebite
Call the veterinary hospital ahead so that they can prepare
Remove collars, choke chains, harnesses before swelling begins.

Do Not:

Do not ice or cool the area.
Do not use a tourniquet or restrict circulation.
Do not use electric shock.
Do not try to cut or suck the venom out of the wound.
Snakebite is always an emergency.

Even if your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, she should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine the severity of the bite and advise what additional medical treatment would be helpful.

What does treatment usually consist of?

The most important part of therapy is fluid therapy because most deaths and side effects are due to blood loss from the circulatory system causing shock. The hemotoxins may cause bleeding into other body cavities that can be hard to control. Fluids help support the circulatory system during this time. In more severe cases, blood transfusions may be needed.

Antibiotics, antihistamines and pain killers are indicated in almost all cases of snake bite. The antihistamines prevent further swelling and anaphylactic reactions. The antibiotics prevent secondary bacterial infection of the bite wound. Overall, snake bites are very painful and can make your pet very fearful during this process. The pain killers can calm your pet as well as make them more comfortable.

Antivenin is a collection of antibodies from the blood of a horse or sheep that has been previously exposed to various species of rattlesnake venom. Typically, these antibodies bind to the venom in the bloodstream and reduce swelling and mortality. The antivenin works best if given as soon as possible and may be costly due to the cost of manufacturing.

What other preventive options are there?

Red Rock Biologics has developed a rattlesnake vaccine to be given before any rattlesnake exposure. Although the vaccine has not yet been proven in controlled studies, the anecdotal evidence is promising. Protective antibodies made by your dog in response to the vaccine start neutralizing venom immediately. On average, antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenin. This means vaccinated dogs should experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from a rattlesnake bite. Like any other vaccine, there is a risk of local and systemic vaccine reactions. Dogs with a lifestyle that puts them at high exposure to rattlesnakes should consider the vaccine. The vaccine does not serve as an alternative to veterinary care after a bite, but may provide you with more time to seek care or lessen the reaction to the bite. Ask us if you’re interested in the vaccine for your dog.

For more information on rattlesnake avoidance training

go to - www.patrickcallaghan.com