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Unfortunately, the warmer weather also brings with it the danger of snakes, and they are out in force early this year. It is important to know what snakes live in your area, and what the signs of poisoning are so you can seek treatment immediately.
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Which snakes?
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There are many types of venomous snakes in Australia but brown snakes are the ones most commonly responsible for snakebites and snakebite deaths in both animals and humans. The next most common are tiger snakes, found in the wetter parts of southern and eastern coastal Australia, especially near water. Other snakes include black snakes and taipans.
It is best to find out which types of snakes are most common in your area and their habitats so you can avoid them.
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What are the signs of snakebite?
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When the snakes bite they inject venom, which contains a variety of toxins. The neurotoxin is the most important toxin in the venom of Australian snakes, causing paralysis.
The signs of snakebite vary depending on factors such as type of venom, location of bite and amount of venom injected. Dogs are more commonly bitten on the face or jaw, cats on their paws.
Signs may include:
DOGS
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- Trembling, salivation, vomiting and depression
- Unsteadiness, hindleg weakness, dilated pupils and worsening paralysis
- Respiratory distress, red-brown urine, complete paralysis and coma
- Some dogs may collapse suddenly then appear to recover before showing above signs up to an hour later.
- Death can occur within 2 hours of snakebite, even within 30 minutes
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CATS
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- Dilated pupils
- Progressive weakness – first your cat may look like it is bunny hopping because it’s hindlegs are becoming paralysed
- Flaccid paralysis - weakness progresses to your cat becoming totally floppy, unable to stand and lying flat out, even unable to lift it’s head up.
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Can snakebite be prevented?
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Unfortunately, being bitten previously does not give your pet any immunity to further bites nor deter them from being inquisitive.
Treatment is expensive so the best defence is to avoid walking or playing with your pets in areas of bushland or long grass, especially in summer. For tiger snakes, avoid long grass near rivers and creeks.
Keep your yard free of long grass or piles of wood, rubbish or junk, and keep the rat and mice population under control (popular food for snakes).
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What should I do if my pet is bitten by a snake?
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Get to your vet immediately (without going over the speed limit, of course). The only treatment for snakebite is for the vet to give antivenom through a drip and the sooner the treatment is started, the greater the chances of survival.
The type of antivenom given depends on the type of snake but if the snake is not seen or identified the choice can be made on geographical area, snake venom detection kits or several antivenoms can be given. Hospitalisation will also be required to monitor the animal's signs and treat any complications.
First aid includes keeping your pet quiet and applying a pressure bandage – just a firm bandage of any material over and around the bite site - if practical. Never apply a tourniquet, wash or cut the wound site. Carry your pet rather than let it walk to avoid speeding the spread of the snake venom.
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Petalia Resident Vet: Dr Julia Adams BVSc
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