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Dog got bit by a ratle snake today

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Mr. Demeanor

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Good news is he is going to be ok. Got him to the vet within 15 minutes and started the antivenin (no, not a typo. Its antivenin not antivenom. I know because I just paid $500 for a tube of it ) Anyway, the dogs face looks like a balloon. I need to find out if there is a way to self treat if this happns again as the total bill is estimated to be $1000 - $1500. If anyone has any suggestions that dont include moving north I'm all ears. Ive been in Florida for 2.5 months and everyone has been to the hospital now. Sad part is the dog is the most expensive bill.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I used to complain about skunks :( Ive talked with some folks here who say it happens a lot and they just get better on their own. Not sure I would risk it but one persons dog has been bit 3 times. I can see where they have to draw the line.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I was just reading about snake training. They put a shock collar on Fido and put him near some de-fanged rattlers. Every time he takes a look......zzzzzzap! He was originally obedience and field trained using a shock collar and is very trainable so I think this is a good option. He was on a leash today with my wife walking him when this happened and she doesnt think he ever saw the snake and she never heard the rattle until it was over with.
Ill post some pics of his poor face when he gets ome tomorrow.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
We live in Sarasota. We are temporarily renting an apartment n a large complex. Not where I expected to see a rattle snake but we are surrounded by woods and IM told the snakes are really on the move this time of year. Just talked to the vet and the dog is doing great. He will be released later today.
 
#10 ·
I'm curious, what kind of Dog/How large of a Dog? I would think a Rattlesnake bite would be fatal rather quickly with a small dog, verses a large dog?

Sorry to hear your dog got bitten, I know ours are like our children, couldn't stnad to think of either of them in that situation. Our prayers for your dogs quick and complete recovery!
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Dog is a 90 pound Golden Retriever. oge handle the bites better than people do (Im learning). Cats never get bit and in the rare cases they do, it doesnt bother them much (according to what I have read since yesterday....still see your vet if it happens).
 
#13 ·
If you are traveling in a remote area where there might be rattle snakes you should carry some anti-histamines. If you administer them right away they will keep the swelling down which can cause circulation problems and death. It's a good stop gap measure while you try to reach a vet.
 
#14 ·
Living in Texas, I hear about snake bites often. I believe most people just let it ride and the dog gets better by themselves. Yes, I`ve seen a snake-bit dog once. His head was the size of a basketball! Really!
 
#17 ·
I used to raise/breed Rattlesnakes and many other Venomous species including Gaboon vipers and Cobras, sorry Pointerman but that doesn't work! it usually speeds up your heart rate and causes more damage. There's no point in stocking Antivenin because it expires after a while. If you live in an area with Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottom mouths your local hospital/ Vet has quick access to Antivenin in case of snakebite, and if they don't the local Zoo will.
 
#19 ·
I've been out of the loop for about 8yrs. but all the books I have and all the field notes I've collected didn't reccomend it for most Hemotoxins! but for some of the species on other continents that have Neurotoxic venom it does help. According to "The Biology of The Pitvipers" published 1992 Selva, you can administer ephinephrine(Adreline; 0.3mg for adults and 0.15mg for children) in rare instances to counteract hypotension brought on by rapid venom absorbtion on allergic reaction (good book!) your best bet with a Rattlesnake bite is to breathe slow and deep and try to slow your heartrate and not spread the venom as fast because of tissue damage! no I'm not an expert but some of my friends are Zoo Curators, and I'm speaking with experience too! the hospital in my hometown had no idea what to do, I had to tell them who to call for the antivenin and what to do in the meantine. it was the most painfull 30hrs in my life!!! that said do some research on the subject and watch where you walk!
 
#20 ·
Mr. Demeanor said:
The first thing they gave my dog was a injection of anti-histamine as Pointerman suggested. Benadryl to be specific.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I am correct. My info comes from "Pointing Dog Journal" and their "Ask the Veterinarian" section of the magazine. The vet in the article recommended that exact drug, Benadryl, be carried as part of your first aid kit for your dog. It's not the cure, but it helps keep your dog stable while you are trying to get to the vet.
 
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Rexone
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