With the beginning of spring in Australia, horse and dog owners should be aware of the danger that may be lurking in the grass
Dr Kelers of the University of Melbourne U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital says that spring signals the start of something far more ominous than just the start of better weather
“At the Animal Hospital, we consider it the start of ‘snake season’,” she said.
“And it’s this time of the year – not summer – that may be the most dangerous time as far as snakes go.”
“A lot of people associate snakes with being a summer-time thing, but we often see bites on fairly cool days, say 17° or 18°C.”
While there are no firm statistics, it is estimated that thousands of household pets are bitten by snakes in Australia each year.
“Snakes at this time of the year are hungry and on the move,” said Dr Kelers, who has worked in the Emergency Centre of the U-Vet Hospital for 16 years.
“They have no shortage of venom stored up after fasting for much of the winter.”
Dogs, cats and horses can fall victim to snake bite. If snake bite is suspected, owners should waste no time in getting veterinary attention as soon as possible. It is uncommon for snake bites to be witnessed, so owners should look out for signs such as vomiting, weakness or collapse as well as enlarged pupils in dogs and cats.
“All snake bites are an emergency, even if the clinical signs seem mild at the time,” Dr Kelers said.
“Let the veterinary reception know that you suspect a snake bite and keep your pet as calm and still as possible until they see a vet.
“If you can, carry them rather than have them walk.”
In horses the symptoms of snakebite may vary in kind and intensity, obviously depending on the species of snake, the amount of venom the snake managed to inject, the wound site, and your horse’s individual reaction to the bite.
These symptoms may include;
- Wobbly gait and weakness
- Difficulty breathing or going blue/purple in the gums
- Colic signs, sweating, pawing at the ground, rolling.
- Swollen muzzle.
- Pupils dilate and do not respond to light
- Bleeding from the nose or mouth.
Due to a horse’s grazing habits it is common for bites to occur on the face or the legs however the actual bite mark may be difficult to locate. The high blood supply in a horse’s face results in the poison being absorbed more quickly and easily with potentially fatal results
Given the high morbidity and cost of treatment for snake bite, prevention is always the best goal. Be aware of the times that snakes are most likely to be around, avoid grazing or riding in areas attractive to snakes, keep a close eye on your smaller pets, clear areas of long grass and rubbish piles and, if snake bite is suspected, contact your vet as soon as possible
