21/04/2022
We have seen a number of posts recently regarding dogs who have been bitten by adders, so here's what you need to know with our ADDER BITES; DOโS & DONโTS! ๐
Adders are the only venomous snake in the UK and are most seen from spring to summer in open habitats such as heathland, moorland, and woodland. They are usually grey or brown in colour with a dark distinctive zig-zag pattern down their back. Although they are not aggressive, they will strike when agitated or startled and their venom is incredibly toxic to animals. โ
Swelling around the bite wound is generally seen within two hours of a bite, and two puncture wounds may be visible within the swelling. You may notice signs of lameness, bleeding, and bruising. Once the venom has been absorbed into the body, a widespread inflammatory response is triggered leading to:
๐ Lethargy
๐ Vomiting
๐ Ataxia
๐ Fever
๐ Increased respiratory and heart rate
๐ Increased salivation
If left untreated, clinical signs can progress to muscle tremors, collapse, coagulopathy (blood clotting problems) and organ failure. Although symptoms are severe, there is a high survival rate if treatment is started promptly. The average recovery is around five days but can take up to one month.
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๏ธ In the first instance, flush the site with water to remove any venom from the skin/fur and keep the bitten limb below the heart height to slow spread of any venom. You can use a โcold compressโ on the bite site but do not apply ice packs. A cold compress can be material soaked in cool water. An antihistamine may be administered to relieve symptoms under veterinary direction - however it is questionable whether antihistamines have any benefit to adder bites.
It is important that you inform the vet of your expected arrival, so they can prepare. They may need to locate antivenom from a nearby hospital, or redirect you to another vets.
โ๏ธ DO NOT use a suction device or attempt to restrict circulation. Adder venom is myolytic meaning it leads to severe muscle necrosis, and pressure devices will therefore increase tissue damage and aid toxin pe*******on. It would also be difficult to achieve suction without shaving the fur, as well as it being incredibly painful for the dog. Do not apply ice packs - Ice causes the smaller blood vessels to constrict and when combined with viper venoms it can produce dramatic tissue damage.
If you are walking in an area known to have adders, keep the dog on a lead and stick to footpaths. Adders are legally protected and should not be killed.
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