Snake Bites
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21/07/2010
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ADDER BITES
If you didn’t see the snake, how would you know your dog had been bitten?
Bites and stings both cause similar reactions. Firstly, the dog becomes agitated. Pants. Maybe claws at the wound, or rubs face along the ground. Secondly, there is a swelling which will appear quite quickly. Thirdly, the dog becomes distressed. If the leg is bitten then it will be held up off the ground whilst walking/running. If it is the face, or throat, the dog may start to gasp for air. Trembling may commence. This will be a result of the shock and the extreme pain caused by a bite.
A bee leaves the sting, a wasp does not. Adder bites are difficult to see, as they are tiny pinpricks.
The venom from an adder bite can cause rapid swelling. Up the leg to the body of the dog. On the face, the swelling would also be very noticeable.
So a dog exhibiting any of the above symptoms needs veterinary treatment quickly. Piriton, a human antihistamine may be given if it is to hand and you can get the dog to take it. Two to three tablets for a medium dog. Beware how you handle your dog in these circumstances, even the most docile may be in enough pain to snap.
Your vet will decide whether it is a sting or an adder bite. And treat accordingly. However, there is a stark difference between veterinary philosophy on the treatment for adder bites. Some vets will use anti-venom and some vets won’t. And in between there is a shall we or shan’t we area
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