Emergency
Veterinary Clinic seeing increase in snake bites
May 1, 2015 By Lillian Lalo WIAT News, Jefferson
County, Ala. — Veterinarians at The Emergency & Specialty Animal Medical
Center is sending a warning to pet owners throughout Alabama. They say snake
bites are on the rise.
“We see
dogs with bites and on their nose, on their face and anywhere on the head and
on their legs. It is very common right now,” said Dr. Sandra Foster.
Prevent snake bites by keeping your grass cut
short, and monitor your dog while they are outside. Especially look after
terriers who like to sniff and dig in the ground.
According to a study about snake bites in the
Southeastern United States by Dr. Foster, it is important that the owner of the
pet gives a detailed account of what the snake looks like if possible. It is
also helpful to bring in the dead snake for examination and identification if
possible. Owners should note the time of the bite, and bring in their pet’s
full medical history so that preexisting conditions can be taken in to account
and current symptoms can be more properly observed.
“In Alabama, we have a problem with
Diamondbacks, Copperheads and Water Moccasins,” Foster said.
According to Foster’s study, 20 percent of
bites are estimated to be dry and contain no venom, therefore it’s best to
assume that all snake bites are venomous.
