Subject: It's snake season
Content: It is snake season again. We came across a black snake on the weekend so thought it might be timely to post some info about snakes. An estimated 60,000 dogs are bitten each year in Australia and 15,000 die!(SA Govt stats) Last week Murdoch University 's vet hospital issued a warning to pet owners that snake bite season has arrived. The vet hospital had its first snake bite victim of the season. At the beginning of the warmer months, when snakes first come out their venom glands tend to be fuller and their bites much more severe. Sometimes the snake does not leave puncture marks and may just scratch the skin. Often the dog or cat will not yelp or cry when bitten because it is not as painful to them. If you suspect a bite it is better to take the doggy to the vet – death can occur within an hour or symptoms could take longer depending on the type of snake, amount of venom and size of dog. It is not unusual for an apparent recovery within 30min of the bite - don't be fooled. However reaction to a Tiger snake bite is usually immediate. Symptoms in cats take longer to appear. The majority of bites on animals are around the neck or front paws – the closer to the heart the more dangerous. If on paws immobilise the limb. Carry the animal – do not let it walk. If the animal's breathing stops use mouth-to-nose resuscitation. Do not wash the site as the residue will help identify the snake. Treatment with antivenom is expensive so doggies watch out and don't take on any snakes!
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