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General InformationPoisonous snakes cause serious illness or
death in many animals each year. The poison (venom) affects mainly the vascular
and/or nervous systems. Most snake bites in the United States are from
rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads, and coral snakes.
Signs of snake-bite poisoning vary according to the size and species
of snake, amount of venom injected, size and general health of the victim, and
location of the bite. |
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Important Points in Treatment
- Snake bites are extremely serious and most treatment takes
place in the hospital. Along with specific treatment to counteract the specific
snake venom, your pet will also be treated for shock and infection.
- Diet: Follow the instructions checked.
____ Feed the normal diet.
____ A special diet is required. Feed as follows:
- Activity: Follow the instructions checked.
____ Allow normal activity.
____ Restrict activity as follows:
- Special instructions:
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Emergency Field TreatmentIf your pet is bitten by a snake,
perform the following emergency measures:
- Identify the type of snake, if possible, but do not risk being
bitten.
- Keep your pet as quiet as possible with soothing talk and
petting. Excitement and exertion speed the distribution of poison. Carry the
animal to a place of safety, if possible.
- If the bite is on a leg, immobilize the leg and carry the pet
to your vehicle. Apply a tourniquet above the wound, between the wound and the
body. It should be loose enough to allow your finger to slide beneath it. It
should not remain in place more than 2 hours.
- Immediately take the animal to the nearest veterinarian.
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Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
- Your pet is reluctant to eat or acts depressed.
- Your pet's bite wound becomes swollen, red or hot, or oozes pus
or fluid.
- Your pet develops any new signs.
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Your next appointment is:
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