SNAKEBITE
There are four kinds of poisonous snakes in the United States. They are the rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin and coral snake.
Just how dangerous are the poisonous snakes to dogs? It all depends on the condition of the snakes and the location of the bites. Also, on the amount of venom injected into the bites. When the writer was a veterinary technician in the Army during World War II, a K-9 dog was bitten by a water moccasin. The accident occurred near a swamp in Georgia, with the dog being bitten on the tip of the nose. Despite emergency first aid (which was difficult because of the location of the bite), the dog died. The snake was very potent and the bite was in a dangerous place.
Symptoms of snakebite
The symptoms of snakebite include swelling, one or two puncture marks, intense pain, weakness, shortness of breath, vomiting, poor vision and paralysis.
First Aid
If the snakebite occurs within a short distance of a veterinarian or medical doctor, get the dog to him right away. Otherwise treat as follows: Keep the dog quiet and still. Too much moving around tends to speed up the heart action and increase the movement of venom toward the heart. If the dog wasn't bitten on the nose, put an emergency muzzle on him.
Remember, the principles of snakebite treatment are constriction, incision and suction.
If the bite is on a leg, tie a belt, handkerchief or strip of cloth around the leg and above the snakebite and swelling. You do this to restrict the flow of venom. It is not a tourniquet, but a constriction band. Loosen it if the dog's leg gets cold. Remove for one minute in every fifteen minutes.
If you have a long-haired dog, quickly trim away the hair from around the snakebites. Next, sterilize a knife over flame. Now make 4 inch cross-cuts or X's through each snakebite puncture. Don't be squeamish about this; your dog's life depends on it. Press the cuts to encourage the flow of blood.
Use suction to draw out the venom. Do not use your mouth to suck out venom. If you have a snakebite kit, use the suction apparatus in the kit. If not, make one as follows:
Get a small drinking glass, bottle, vial or canteen. Light up a twisted piece of paper and insert the flaming paper into the vessel. Quickly place the vessel (you can leave the paper inside; it will go out) onto the snakebite incisions, with the open end of the vessel into the bite. Leave the vessel there until it falls off by itself. Repeat this suction routine at least a dozen times.
There is an elementary physics principle behind this technique. Placing a strip of burning paper into a vessel causes the oxygen to be used up. This, in turn, reduces the atmospheric pressure in the vessel, creating a suction. But you've got to slap the vessel down on the incisions before fresh air surges into the vessel. Try this on yourself; it works.
If the swelling near the snakebite begins to spread more than 3 inches above the bite, move the constriction band above the new swelling. Make new incisions here and repeat the suction. Try to get the dog to drink water. Then get him to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
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