Sep2013_News from UQ Vets Dayboro
Snakes, Snakes, Snakes
It’s spring and as the weather warms up our slithering friends, the snakes, are starting to get active. Snakes are fascinating animals but best admired from afar. Some snakes, such as the Eastern Brown, are extremely venomous so there are a few things you should be aware of to keep you and your pets safe.
It’s a Snake!
If you see a snake, don’t panic. Leave it alone and try to ensure your pet doesn’t interfere with it. Snake bites usually occur when people or pets try to catch or kill the snake. Most snakes would rather slither away than bite.
What Snake is that?
The main culprits responsible for snake bite in this area are the Eastern Brown and the Red-bellied Black snake. It is extremely difficult to accurately identify a snake by appearance as there are many colour variations and different species can look remarkably similar. Scale patterns are used to make a positive identification as scale numbers and patterns are unique to each species.
Colour is the least reliable guide in identifying snakes.
What to do if your pet has been bitten?
If you suspect your pet has been bitten keep them calm and quiet and take them to a vet immediately. The chances of recovery are much better if your pet is treated early. The sort of reaction your pet has to a snake bite is determined by several things: the type of snake; the amount of venom injected; and the site of bite.
Some possible signs may be:
Sudden weakness.
Collapse – may appear to recover before further progression and subsequent collapse.
Paralysis.
Twitching, drooling or shaking.
Vomiting.
Loss of bladder and bowel control.
Puncture marks are generally not found due to the animal’s coat.
Don’t try to catch or kill the snake. It is illegal to kill snakes. If it is dead, bring the snake with you so we can accurately identify it. Otherwise there are tests that can help determine if your pet has been bitten and by what type of snake. Once the snake has been identified the vet can administer anti-venom. Treatment is far more effective if we use the correct anti-venom. A huge part of treatment involves supportive care and secondary complications are common.
Minimising the risk of a snake encounter.
Avoid planting thick ground cover and lots of low shrubs close to the house and keep lawns short.
Snakes are often found in and around piles of fire wood, roofing iron and stock feed, so keeping things off the ground and clear of debris helps.
Keeping water bowls in an open, well used location can help as the snake is likely to feel too exposed to be able to access it as a water source.
When walking your dog close to bushland – especially near water during the summer months – please keep your dog on a lead and avoid long grassy areas.
If you have a snake in or around your house there are professional snake catchers who are qualified to safely remove them. If you see a snake outside you will find that in most cases, if left alone, they will leave on their own accord.
Did you know?
Snakes are deaf.
Snakes can’t grab their own tail and roll like a hoop.
Holly
As I write this we are caring for Holly, an adorable and very mischievous Jack Russell. She was bitten by an Eastern Brown snake over the long weekend and is very lucky to be alive. On admission she was completely paralysed, barely breathing and unable to wag her tail or even blink. Our vets and students have been treating her around the clock over the last week and she has amazed us all with her gradual but steady improvement. That first tail wag was a golden moment.
UQ Vets Dayboro,
125 McKenzie Street, Dayboro.
Phone 3425 1544 ALL HOURS
