We see cases of snake bites throughout the year in Perth, however as snakes hibernate or are less active during cold weather, most snake bites occur in the summer months. Western Australia has a large number of venomous snakes but the Tiger snake and Brown snake (Dugite) account for the majority of snake bites in domestic pets around Perth.
Symptoms of Snake bite
There are several factors that determine what sort of reaction your pet has to a snake bite. The type of snake (some species of snake are more venomous than others), the amount of venom injected (depends of the size and maturity of the snake) and the site of the snake bite are all contributing factors.
Dogs and cats are most often bitten around the head and limbs. Usually the closer the bite is to the heart the quicker the venom will be absorbed into the pet’s system and distributed around the body.
At the beginning of summer, snake generally have more venom in their glands and therefore their bites may be more serious.
The common symptoms of snake bite by a tiger or brown snake include:
- Sudden weakness followed by collapse
- Salivation, difficulty swallowing
- Increased respiration and heart rate
- Shaking or twitching of the muscles
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils not responsive to light.
- Paralysis and blood in the urine occurs in advanced cases
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake try to keep him/her as quiet as possible and take him/her to the veterinary hospital IMMEDIATELY.
Please call us when you are on your way so we can be prepared for your arrival.
If possible try to identify the snake, or get a description of its colour and approximate size. The most accurate way to tell between a Tiger and a Dugite is by looking at the scales on the tail. If the snake is dead, bring it with you, however do not attempt to kill the snake. All snakes are protected species. By identifying the snake, we can use the specific antivenom for that snake. If identification is not possible we also stock multivalent antivenoms that contain antivenin for both Tiger and Brown snakes.
Treatment
Firstly your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet to determine whether it has actually been bitten by a snake, and they will assess your pet to determine the stage of reaction and what treatment is required.
Treatment required will depend on the extent of your pets reaction, but generally will involve administration of intravenous fluids, anti-histamines and cortisone to prevent reactions to antivenom, and then administration of antivenom to neutralise the snake venom in the pet’s body. Treatment may also involve intensive care to assist with breathing using a ventilator if your pets respiratory muscles become paralysed.
If your pet receives prompt veterinary treatment he/she may recovery from a snake bite within 24 to 48 hours. Approximately 80% of pets survive snake bites if treated quickly enough, the survival rate is much lower however for pets that are left untreated, and death often occurs.
Pets recovering from snake bites often need intensive and prolonged nursing care until they can eat and drink unassisted.
Antivenom
A simplified explanation of how the snake antivenoms are produced, is that extremely small amounts snake venom are injected into huge Percheron horses on a regular basis over a long period of time. The amounts are so small that the horses are not affected except that they produce antibodies to counteract the foreign substance in their system. After some 10-12 months of this immunological 'conditioning', a small proportion of each horse's blood is removed and the plasma is extracted. This plasma contains the antibodies which, when injected into a snake bite victim, will neutralize snake venom.
These animals suffer no ill-effects and are used repeatedly to help save human’s and pets’s lives. Some of the horses have been carrying out this essential service to Australians for many years. Because of the time and cost associated with antivenom production they are expensive.
What to do if you find a snake
The Department of Environment and Conservation have a snake removal service.
http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/287/1337/
Contact the DEC on (08) 9334 0292 or (08) 9334 0333. The Department will refer you to one of a number of volunteer reptile removers.
