Dogs around the United States run a risk of encountering and being bitten by several varieties of native rattlesnakes. These bites can range from nonvenomous to deadly, and it is important to recognize the symptoms of a bite early, so you can quickly seek veterinary care.
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Initial Symptoms
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The first symptoms of a snakebite are extreme swelling around a puncture wound with two distinct holes. This can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly located on the dog's head or neck. The area around the bite may have visible bleeding or bruising.
Advanced Symptoms
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In the hours following the bite, further symptoms occur. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, these are generally related to blood loss and vascular damage and may include dangerously low blood pressure, shock, lethargy, weakness, muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting and physical collapse. If left untreated, the effects on the circulatory system can lead to the animal's death.
Levels of Envenomation
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Not every bite results in serious medical complications. In fact, according to PetPlace.com, only about 50 percent of snakebites result in visible signs of envenomation. This is because not every bite injects the largest dose of venom possible. Mar Vista Animal Medical Center estimates that nearly a quarter of all bites are dry, injecting no venom at all. Dry bites are topically treated and watched for risk of secondary infection. Another 30 percent of bites cause only localized pain and swelling in the bite area. For dogs with mild snakebite envenomation, you should give medication for the pain and swelling and watch for complications. The remaining 40 percent of bites involve envenomation, which causes systematic complications, and should be treated by a vet; fatality will result in 5 percent of snakebite victims, even with appropriate medical care.
Treatment
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Do not try to treat a snakebite yourself. If you suspect your dog has been bitten, take it to the vet immediately for observation and diagnosis. If you wait until more serious symptoms appear, it may be too late for veterinary care to help. The veterinarian will likely begin by examining the bite wound and giving your dog a sedative. The sedative keeps the dog still and prevents the venom from spreading unnecessarily. Veterinarians typically monitor a dog for 12 to 24 hours to watch for further complications, and dogs are treated accordingly. In some cases, an antivenin can be given to aid the body in fighting the venom's effects (if given within the first four hours after envenomation). However, this treatment, according to PetEducation.com, is prohibitively expensive, controversial and not recommended in all cases.
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