Practice News
 Recent incidents of snake bites.Thursday 23rd April, 2009
SNAKES ALIVE!
In the last 3 weeks we have had to treat 3 dogs for adder bites. In most years we will only see a few cases, so this cluster potentially represents a worrying increase. All 3 had been walking on Chobham common, a known adder habitat.
The European Adder (Vipera berus) has characteristic zigzag markings along its back and a dark V on the back of the head. It becomes more active during the warmer months of Spring to Autumn. They are not generally aggressive, but will bite when they feel threatened, as is unfortunately the case when an inquisitive dog sniffs or steps on one. The bite causes rapid swelling and necrosis of soft tissue, and can lead on to more serious problems leading to organ failure.
Treatment is usually a combination of steroid anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and in suitable cases, antivenom. Please do not attempt any form of first aid such as tourniquets or sucking the poison out. This may be detrimental to you and your dog!
Fortunately all of the dogs we saw were treated in good time and made a good recovery, but these bites can be very serious, even fatal, so if you suspect your dog has been bitten, you should get him examined by a vet immediately.
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