Snakes:
It’s the beginning of summer, temperatures are coming up and it is getting warmer. This means we see more of our native wildlife out and about. Snakes are very common in the southern gold coast area and depending on the type of snake can be very harmful to our pets.
Brown snakes- They are the second most venomous snake in the world as well as the most venomous snake to dogs. Their colours are brown to sometimes almost black, they are fast and more than likely very aggressive. They are found in QLD, NSW, VIC and some of NT. They can be very lethal to your pets, Brown snakes can cause paralysis, struggle to breathe on their own and may need intensive care.
Whip snakes- while they tend to be less venomous for our patients, they can cause complications. These complications tend to be compounded in cats, however, dogs may also be affected. Whip snake bites can cause localised swelling of the bite site and total limb paralysis, especially in our feline friends. This means pain relief and intensive supportive care is essential. Unfortunately, there is no anti-venom available for this type of snake envenomation.
Red Bellied Black Snake- Common complications for patients who have been bitten by a Red Bellied Black Snake include muscle pain, prolonged blood clotting times, localised swelling and oedema, haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and pigmenturia (abnormal coloured urine due to myoglobin being released from damaged tissues).
Signs and symptoms:
Collapse followed by apparent recovery
Lethargy
Muscle tremors, shaking and reduced eye blinking
Dilated pupils
Sudden onset of weakness/wobbliness (ataxia)
Complete paralysis
Inability to control bladder and bowels
Irregular bleeding from the nose, bit site, mouth
Discoloured, dark urine (often bloody)
Paralysis
If your pet has been bitten by any snake or have any symptoms listed above they will need to be seen ASAP as it is an emergency.
Information credit- Animal Emergency Services (AES)
