WHAT’S IN YOUR PEDIGREE, PART 2, PUREBRED DOG

In the last blog entry, the passages center on the pedigree of my parents that leads to yours truly and her 5 siblings. Today I would like to add some “behind the scenes” recollections of the first time my Mom traveled to Kentucky from New York. As she became romantically engaged with my father, she realized his pedigree would not be the mint julep set, the white fences, or the Kentucky Thoroughbred horses grazing serenely in the background. When it came to meet her in-laws, the scenario was quite a “culture shock” way beyond her preconceived notions. Step 1: Uncle Lester came with a tractor to pull my father and mother out of the ditch, beside the dirt road, next to the barb wire fencing. As they sloshed back and forth toward the homestead on the muddy, rutted road, the expectation drops further: outhouse, no indoor plumbing. Step 2: Coming from a masters in human nutrition background at Cornell, the smell of ham hocks and beans cooking in the house was overwhelming.  Step 3: Sleeping on feed sacks and Sears catalog in the outhouse (substituted for toilet paper) she cried herself to sleep and hit the “reset” button of expectations.

Often with acquisitions of new pets, hidden agendas come with the territory of “forever homes."

WHEN ACQUIRING A PUREBRED DOG, WHAT ARE SOME FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED?

There are normally many breeds that will fit close the requirement of a new pet family member. One site to consider by breed is http://ic.upei.ca/cidd/ or http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/breeds.html or http://www.offa.org/breedtests.html?btnSearch=Tests+by+Breed or http://idid.vet.cam.ac.uk/search.php  as a starting point. It is important that when the breed is less populated (and thus has low registration numbers by the AKC, if recognized at all), defects may not be well publicized or known.

HOW DOES A VETERINARIAN OR PET OWNER FIND A LABORATORY THAT PERFORMS SPECIFIC TESTING? What types of tests are available?

DNA testing has an advantage over other biochemical testing as it may be performed at any age, including newborn.   DNA can be extracted from any nucleated cells, e.g., blood, cheek swabs, hair follicle, semen, and even preserved tissue. The biggest reason for these tests is the results are available before placing the puppy in a new home, manifesting signs, or prior to breeding to avoid passing on the defect.

http://www.offa.org/dna_alltest_b.html

http://breedingbetterdogs.com/pdfFiles/articles/genetic.tests.by.breed.2012.pdf

https://www.vetstream.com/canis/corporate/html/Inheriteddiseases/Genetictestsforhereditarydiseases.htm

Inborn errors of metabolism tests, many of which are blood tests,  include all biochemical disorders due to a genetically determined, specific defect in the structure and/or function of a protein molecule within the body.  These defects can lead to bleeding disorders, muscle weakness, heart disease,   and unfortunately, premature death.

The Metabolic Genetic Disease Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania offers such tests http://research.vet.upenn.edu/penngen. Similarly Cornell's Comparative Coagulation Laboratory offers functional testing for many bleeding disorders http://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/ and the Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory makes some functional and mostly histological analysis available for muscle and nerve disorders http://vetneuromuscular.ucsd.edu/.

AS A VETERINARY PRACTITIONER FOR OVER 33 YRS, WHAT IS ONE CONCERN FOR NEW OWNERS OF PUREBRED DOGS?

Many of the more frequently seen health issues: allergies, ear infections, dental disease, arthritis, and irritable bowel/inflammatory bowel disease do not have current, valid genetic testing to screen potential parents that potentiate the risk. Yet, these diseases result in very significant time, emotional, and financial costs for pet owners.

For example, Labrador Retrievers suffer more from debilitating elbow arthritis, dysplasia that hip dysplasia/arthritis, Yet many prospective owners are aware of the hip issues, only.

 TESTING MIXED BREED DOGS? IS THERE A NEED?

This question comes up occasionally in the exam room and was addressed in the previous blog. Having said that, there is no harm except to your wallet (avg. cost is $60 to $100) to obtain a cheek swab (see lab for specific instructions) to see what breeds are in your pet’s background. Remember the validity of the test results, are open to discussion. http://shop.dnamydog.com/ or http://www.wisdompanel.com/

In reality, few medical decisions for mixed breed animals are based on genetic breed screening.

Betsy T. Sigmon DVM, Hospital Director

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

In memory of Molly, owned by Rick and Chris Vandenberg

What’s in Your Pedigree: Genetic Screening

                       

For those blog followers who have been clients of mine for almost 30 years, there has never been any question as to the lack of royal lineage in my background. My father hails from a whiskey bootlegging family in Western Kentucky. All gained riches during the Depression were followed by relatives serving jail time.  They made liquor runs from Nashville to Louisville and yonder.

  My Mother was the daughter of an architect and granddaughter of a German Presbyterian minister from New York City. They met at Cornell University where my mother worked in my father’s nutrition lab. The intersection of these 2 cultural background is “yours truly."

My dog, Taco Belle, was found in a trailer park in Zebulon, NC. Looking at her one would say she is a Dachshund/Chihuahua cross. Recovering since last week from a collapse disk at Lumbar vertebrae 1-2, her genetic framework makes her more prone to weakness in her mid- back area. I am happy to report she is improving with rest, pain medications, and strict exercise restriction. In her first year, I had sent out a new genetic screening blood test, advertising the benefits of genetic screening to better treat genetically linked disorders. Taco Belle’s test results stated Bassett Hound x Rhodesian Ridgeback (so much for the early genetic blood testing in 2007). It states the obvious:  test results are only as valid as the accuracy of the test (also called sensitivity and specificity).

Let’s look into some of the current genetic screening tests for pets.

WHAT IS THE BASIS FOR GENETIC SCREENING OF ANIMALS?

With natural selection, the "survival of the fittest," although a buzz word for healthy, truly has a genetic basis. Due to man’s interference, selecting for certain physical traits is reflective of man’s preference, not necessarily for the betterment of the animal. With greater than 120 biochemical/DNA screening tests for defects (and the list is growing), it is confusing for both owners and  veterinarians what are the proper background checks prior to purchase of a specific breed of cat or dog. The confusion is magnified with the new tendency towards “designer breed” crossing. Although touted to bring out the best in both parents, this breeding can increase the tendency of bad traits. For example, when both parents come from a breed known for allergies, the offspring, even though a mixed breed (outcross) may have an increased tendency to allergies as well. Basil D'Gerolamo pictured. 

SO WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO TEST FOR KNOWN DEFECTS?

Once beyond the physical exam, the following are important indicators of disease: physical exams, radiographs, and laboratory testing for genetic markers. 

WHAT IS ONE OF THE biggest fallacies of testing pets?

Many young, breeding stock pets will be examined and pronounced clear (phenotypically) on eye and orthopedic exams of many inherited conditions (via eye exams and radiographs). However many will as adults develop inherited eye and joint problems.

WHAT IS ONE EXAMPLE OF A GOOD SCREENING BLOOD TEST IN CATS?

Persians, Himalayans, and other cats with Persian ancestry should be screen for Polycystic Kidney Disease. It is a progressive, inherited disease that leads to cysts on the kidneys, renal failure, and death. By testing both the queen and tom (both parents) negative for the PKD1 gene prior to breeding, the risk in the kittens is eliminated. The list of breeds carrying this genetic disease is expanding. Otherwise the disease is diagnosed with ultrasound of the kidneys of cats at risk as early as 10 months of age.  In the past, up to 50% or more of Persian cats may have been affected by this disease. Sofi owned by Ian Fletcher pictured

http://www.icatcare.org/advice/polycystic-kidney-disease

IS THERE A GENERAL WEBSITE TO CHECK FOR GENETIC DISORDERS OF CATS?

http://www.icatcare.org/advice/cat-breeds

WHAT IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A GENETICALLY SCREENED DISEASE?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of Ragdoll and Maine Coon Cats is condition where the heart wall muscle thickens. By reducing the heart chamber size, less blood is pumped with each contraction. Thus it may to heart disease, blood clots, and often sudden death.

http://www.icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm-and-testing

WHAT HAS MADE GENETIC TESTING SO MUCH EASIER FOR CAT BREEDERS?

Many tests of today are performed on cheek swab samples, rather than traditional bloodwork.

https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/cat/

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline

Getting Away: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

After working the last five weekends, I had plans to go to Boothbay Harbor this month for a three day weekend. I am a card-carrying workaholic that probably comes from being raised on a hog, chicken, and tobacco farm. My husband and I took a plane to Boston, and then drove to the Boothbay Harbor area of Maine.

My plans were to read a good summer ibook (Jet Set), visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, take a boat ride, and have a few lobster rolls. Let me say, “Mission Accomplished!" It was a fabulous time. From the first Lobster roll in Portland to the huge Delphinium flowers in the garden, observing the lobster boats at work in the bay to discovering the Eagle nest, and simply watching a sunset; I realized how blessed I was to have this opportunity. 

On the Saturday boat ride, besides the obvious wildlife, we saw the summer home of Margaret Hamilton, otherwise known as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. We learned she was only in the film 13 minutes, made $8,000 for her eight weeks of work, received no residual payments,  and almost died  from burns in the scene where she disappeared into the smoke (ignited copper in her green face makeup). In addition, she was  both a Sunday school teacher and the voice of Cora in the Maxwell House coffee commercials.

One glaring emphasis in this outdoors-centered community mentioned in all the travel books was “watch for ticks.".  Even in going that far north, the reality is that vector-borne diseases (diseases carried by ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, lice, etc.) are widespread. With that thought, I delve into the topic of one timely tick talk: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

WHAT IS ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER? 

It is an acute, tick-borne bacterial infection (rickettsia) that both people and animals can get. It is most common between the months of April and October. In reality, the name is a misnomer as the Southeastern United States has reported a high infection rate in previous years. 

WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS?

The clinical presentation is acute and 

vague: depression, joint pain, fever, appetite decreased, vomiting, cough, and often red eyes. Often a tick bite is the mitigating factor; however, not all owners can recall a lapse in tick prevention administration/application.

Juno, owned by Tom and Karan Moore

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

 It is not spread from dogs to owners or dog to dog. Rather the common denominator is ticks exposure in the area. Interestingly, it is now felt that a tick bite can transmit more than one disease at a time (ex. Ehrlichiosis). It has NOT been reported in cats. 

WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD? How long does the tick have to be attached to transmit this disease?

Two to 14 days is the average period between a tick bite and the manifestation of clinical signs.  At least five to 20 hours is the reported time between a tick attachment and transmission of disease. RMSF is not a chronic disease; patients either die or get over it within 21 days. 

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE TICK AND THE BACTERIUM TRANSMITTED? WHAT CAUSES THE RASH IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER?

Dermacentor variabilis  is the American Dog tick in the eastern United States that carries the disease, and the bacterium is Rickettsia rickettsii. As the bacterium replicates in the lining of blood vessels of victims, it creates little holes that bleed, thus the rash as noted in RMSF is actually mini bruises. Owners will not see that in their dogs except on rare occasions; rather, it is more common with people. 

SIGNS APPEAR VAGUE, WHAT TESTING IS RECOMMENDED?

Complete blood count, chemistries, RMSF paired titers of serum collected two to three weeks apart (watch for a four fold increase in the antibody level). Titers may remain high for months to years.  Some hints of infection include low blood platelets, low protein, rising kidney values, lower calcium, and rising liver values. Note that some patients may have none of these abnormalities in the early stages. PCR testing is now available to detect the RMSF bacterium particles in the blood. It is important to test dogs with vague signs for RMSF, as once infected, and documented as such, it is reported a dog will never get the disease again (long lasting immunity).  Also it is fair warning to owners as their risk of infection is increased by exposure to that same environment and people do not use monthly tick control. 

HOW IS IT TREATED?

 It is most commonly treated with antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Minocycline, Enrofloxacin, and Chloramphenicol. Dogs most commonly treated with Doxycycline clearly respond within two to six days.

WHY DO PATIENTS DIE WITH RMSF?

Left untreated, the mini bleeds of the vessels lead to organ failure of the brain, kidney, and heart. 

HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED IN DOGS?

Use good, effective, and consistent tick control while avoiding those environments infected with ticks. While no preventative is 100% effective, it is remains the forefront of lowering the risk of tick related illness. 

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP canine and feline

Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Remi owned by Jared B.Day

Oh my Aching Back: Back Issues

I have a dear client & friend that commented how lucky my dog, Taco Belle, was to have a 24/7 Vet-Nanny. For 8 years, until this weekend, she historically has had zero health problems. Normally, when I arrive home from work, she greets me with adoring eyes (or perhaps it is just dinner time). Two days ago, that pattern was broken. Taco did not come to the door or when called. I found her hiding under an end table, oblivious to the time of day. Her routine that day was a Friday Spa day at the clinic, ride home in the truck with my husband, and a good snooze on the sofa. Unfortunately, veterinarians tend to think of all the possible worst case options: trauma, toxin, and foreign body; none of which seemed to fit her pattern. The sad eyes, lack of appetite, shivering without a fever, tended to indicate pain; however, no obvious area could be localized.

The next day, I left for work after walking her outside. It is a common statement that healthy dogs can go two weeks without eating (unlike cats that go into liver failure). The reality is, that like most pet owners, I am concerned when my dog misses 2 meals as that is very unusual for her pattern. When returning from work I pet her and she let out a blood curdling “scream” when I touched her mid-section. Taco demonstrated significant back pain. Fortunately, with significant exercise restriction and medications she is resting comfortably this evening...and eating. This is the topic of the moment: back pain.

What is the most common cause of back pain in small dogs?

Intervertebral Disk Disease is instability of the cushioning disk(s) between the back bones (which is important in those areas of the neck/cervical and lower back/lumbar). Anatomically there are 7 cervical, 13 thoracic, and 7 lumbar vertebrae in dogs.  There is a longitudinal ligament/band with a rich nerve supply that runs above (dorsal) the disk.  When a suspected minor misstep occurs, the disk shoots upward, pressing up on the ligament. As this continues in a process called Disk Herniation, it compresses the spinal column, creating inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Are small dogs more at risk?

Yes, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Pekingese breeds have frequent flyer miles in this area.

Where are the most common herniation sites?

 It is most commonly reported between the Thoracic vertebrae T11-T12 and Lumbar vertebrae L1-L2. In the neck it is between Cervical Vertebrae C2-C3.

What types of signs are noted by owners with suspected spinal column /disk issues?

Initially the first sign is pain over the disk site. As the inflammation spreads in the cord. Additional signs include neurological weakness and abnormal knuckling of the feet (proprioception). In neck problems involving disks, the only sign is maybe pain. Then as the compression continues on the spinal cord, paralysis may develop due to interruption of the signal from the brain to the leg(s).

What other causes of back pain need to be ruled out with ongoing signs? Why is that important to determine?

Degenerative conditions such as Spinal cord deterioration, vertebral fracture/dislocation, tumor, fibrocartilaginous emboli, or spinal cord/disk infection are possibilities. It is important to determine the difference as degenerative conditions will not respond to surgery.

What are the steps of testing? Will some need back surgery ?

The steps are Physical exam, followed by radiographs, and then Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for those not responding to treatment or with rapid deterioration. Some patients may need a neurological surgical procedure to remove the offending disk material putting pressure on the spinal cord as identified by the radiographs/MRI.

For dogs such as Taco Belle showing only pain, what are the treatments?

Strict cage rest for 3 to 4 weeks, traditional pain medications (metacam), medication for neuropathic pain (gabapentin), muscle relaxants (methocarbamol), and occasionally sedatives (trazodone). This means no steps, no jumping on furniture, no free play, and crating when unsupervised.

What percent of dogs require no additional treatment other than strict rest and pain meds?

Greater than 70% with proper pain meds and true exercise restriction for 3 to 4 weeks will fully recover.

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Boothbay Harbor Coastline in Maine

I've got eyes for you

Last week going up Kildaire Farm Road towards Cary, I passed a man in a green Triumph convertible with his Weimaraner sitting faithfully beside him in the passenger space with ears flapping. I tried for my blog followers to capture a picture but was unsuccessful. It was a funny moment; yet, as a veterinarian I thought about many safety issues including trash into the dog’s eyes. This brings me to today’s discussion of dry eye, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca.

What is dry eye, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca?

It is a disorder in the production of the water (aqueous) portion of the tears leading to a lack of lubrication of the corneal surface and surrounding tissues of the eye. The other 5% part of tears (mucous & fat) try but fail miserably to provide compensatory moisture.

What function do tears perform?

Besides lubricating comfort, tears provide anti-bacterial proteins, nutrients, and oxygen to nourish the outer surface of the eye. In addition, they wash away irritants and infections that get in eyes since the normal outer layer of the cornea does not have a direct blood supply.

What are the signs?

Initially a dog may hold the eye shut and squint a great deal. Owner will note redness and often a pet rubs at the eye a great deal. Often a thick, discolored discharge remains in the eye and surrounding eyelid in spite of persistent cleaning by the owner.  Gradually, the eye appears dull, irritated, and eventually so scarred that blindness develops. In many cases the condition is misdiagnosed as allergies or inflammation of the eye called conjunctivitis.

Are there breeds at risk?

The Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, West Highland White Terrier, Bloodhound, Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Pug, Samoyed, Shih Tzu, and  the Yorkshire Terrier  are the most common breeds at risk. Estimates are approximately 1% of the pet population suffers from this condition.

Besides inherited causes, what other possible risk factors lead to dry eye?

Injury to the facial nerve branch that innervates tear glands, drugs (example sulfa antibiotics such as Septra), virus infections (Distemper of dogs, Feline Herpes virus of cats), low thyroid,  immune mediated diseases (body attacking its own tissue is the most common cause), and removal of the gland are the most common factors.

How is it diagnosed?

The most common way is a strip of premeasured paper placed in the eye for 1 minute called the Schirmer tear test. Normal production of tears will “wick” on the paper at 15mm or more.  In addition, a staining of the cornea to check for concurrent ulcers and pressure check (tonopen) to check for increase pressure within the eye associated with glaucoma.

What are the preferred methods of treatment?

Topical medications such as cyclosporine (Optimmune) or tacrolimus eye drops are the most common medications applied topically in cases of immune mediated disease. In rare cases where there is a lack of response, transposition of the Parotid salivary duct to the eye is recommended to decrease the risk of scarring blindness by every time a pet eats the saliva lubricates the eyes. Additionally, topical antibiotics and lubricating artificial tears are often needed in this lifelong treatment.

Long term, what are the implications?

Although not curable, most dogs can lead relatively comfortable lives with persistent and timely application of the eye drops.

Betsy Sigmon DVM

Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine and Feline

Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Lexi, owned by Barbara & Jim Cooper snoozing on the dock at Lake Gaston House

The First Time, Ever I Saw Your Face

Taken from the title of a 1957 English folk Song, Roberta Flack took this song to a new level in 1972. I transpose it into the emotion of the moment when that “perfect pet” crosses the threshold into our lives. My sister, Rosie, recently adopted a rescue puppy, Hallie, from the Lexington, NC Animal Shelter. After the initial interview and home visit, Hallie won the lottery of pet ownership and Rosie feels the same...or so it started. As the photos suggest, there can be an unexpected and quick deterioration in that magic moment of puppy bliss.

I will keep you posted as Hallie and Rosie go off on the adventures of the first year.

 With the nice summer weather, pets and their owners will be spending more time outdoors. With a walk in the woods, there is likely an unexpected encounter with snakes. In a snap judgment looking at the head, one would ask is it venomous or not? Thus begins today’s blog concerning snakes and snake bites.

What are the venomous snakes in North Carolina?

With approximately 37 species of snakes currently identified in NC, only 6 are venomous: Canebrake Rattlesnake (also called Timber), Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Pigmy Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth (Water moccasin), Copperhead, and Coral snake. There are 2 main categories: the crotalids (pit vipers are the first 5 snakes listed above) and the elapids (ex. coral snake).  The pit vipers have a pit between the eye and nostril on each side of the head to detect prey. When not in use, the fangs roll up in the rook of the mouth. Classically these snakes have triangularly-shaped head, elliptical shaped pupils (think cat eyes), and are relatively thick bodied.

How frequently do people die from snake bites in the USA? Pets?

Although approximately 8,000 people are bitten every year by venomous snakes, no more than 12 deaths are reported nationwide. It is much more common for people to die from anaphylactic shock from bee and hornet stings. In pets, there is no nationwide, valid reporting system for fatalities attributed to snake bites. However with Eastern Diamondback and the Coral Snake bites estimates for death approach 20% or higher in dogs. Unfortunately, small dogs may receive a fatal bite from a copperhead. The venom causes local tissue destruction and secondary infection often sets in. Interestingly, cats appear to be more resistant to the effects of snake venom than dogs.

Only Hawaii and Alaska report no venomous snakes.

What state has the distinction of the most venomous snake bites in the USA? What warning signs do the snakes issue?

North Carolina!!! This because of the high number of copperhead snakes in our state. Unlike the other venomous states, Copperheads tend to give no warning; rather they just STRIKE when threatened. Many of these bites could be prevented by avoiding the snake instead of trying to kill it or pick it up. Although they also bite more people than any other U.S. species, copperheads also have the mildest venom and rarely inject a lethal amount. Because rattlesnakes usually warn by rattling their tails before striking, most of their bites can be avoided.

I am confused about the biology of Copperheads. What is the life story?

The Copperhead snake feeds on cicadas, caterpillars, mice, birds, frogs and lizards. It prefers to live in wooded locations, among rocks, or near water sources because their prey is more plentiful in such locations. Their favorite hiding places include under rocks, sawdust, mulch piles, and in wood piles.  During heat of the summer days, it will stay hidden during the day and become active at night. Copperheads produce 1 to 14 live babies in late summer/early fall. Then copperheads hibernate until early spring.

Accidents happen, what should a pet owner do if their pet was bitten by a poisonous snake?

Seek emergency care, carrying your pet as much as possible and try to keep your pet very quiet.  A muzzle may be needed.  Do NOT take out your pocketknife and cut Xs over the fang marks. Do not try to suck out the venom. Tourniquet application is not recommended. Try to id the snake by taking note of the size, does it have a rattle at end of tail, and color patterns (iPhone picture is helpful).

 Signs of a snake bite include: pain, bruising, & swelling at the site of bite wound (most commonly on the muzzle or a leg), and mild bloody discharge. The paired fang bites may or may not be identified.

How are snake bites treated at a veterinary hospital?

Supportive Treatment may include pain medications, broad spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, IV fluids, and topical treatment. Antivenom is rarely used in NC.  Most swelling in uncomplicated cases resolves in 2 to 3 days.  Factors to consider by the treating clinician include consideration of the  species of snake, location of bite, size & age of the  individual patient, and depth of the fang penetration,  so no one treatment plan is appropriate for all cases of envenomation.

Copperheads bite wounds tend to cause more localized rather than systemic effects.

What is in venom?

It is a liquid produced in specialized oral gland similar to salivary glands. There are a variety of toxins within the venom that produce enzymatic reactions. It leads to soft tissue (cell) destruction, pain, numbness, inflammation, damage to blood vessels, clotting disorders, and nerve damage.

Unlike the pit vipers, the Coral snake (elapid) contains components toxic to the nervous & respiratory system. There are often minimal changes or signs at the bite wound site in pets. The non-toxic king snakes look almost identical to the toxic coral snake but has yellow rings separated by a black band: "Red and yellow kill a fellow/ Red and black, venom lack."

I heard the venom of baby copperheads is more concentrated and thus more potent? True or False?

False!  There is a no known evidence of the concept that venom from baby snakes is "stronger" or more concentrated than adult snakes, at least among the North American Viper snakes.  Baby copperheads can only inject a relatively small amount of venom simply. Even in adult snakes, “dry “bites with no venom emitted are fairly common.  It is possible for clinical signs to develop slowly so all animals thought to be bitten should be kept under observation for several hours.

Why isn’t antivenom used on all cases of venomous snake bites?

Anti-venom is very expensive, targeted towards specific species of snakes, and limited availability.  Due to the fact that only small amount of venom are injected with the copperhead bite, it is rarely recommended. For the other venomous snakes bites, benefits vs risks/cost, and availability will need to be considered. There is a vaccine available, but at present its efficacy is questioned due to lack of long term and documented scientific information.

The coral snake (elapid) bites need specific antivenom but these bites are very rare.  This is a regional issue and pet owners in eastern NC and other states such as Florida should be aware of such risks. The clinical presentation is very different.

How can you avoid snake bites?

Snakes prefer to come out at dusk especially in the summer months. Work with caution around wood piles, rocks, and mulch piles. Do not allow dogs off leash when exploring in such areas. In addition avoid having dogs sticking their noses in holes and under stumps in areas conducive to the environment of snakes.

For Further information on Snakes and identification

http://naturalsciences.org/sites/default/files/files/documents/research-collections/Venomous_Snakes_of_NC.pdf

http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_NC/snakes/SnakeID/All.asp

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/snakepix3.html

http://www.carolinareptilerescue.com/How%20to%20Identify%20a%20Venomous%20Snake.html

http://www.reachvet.com/snake-bites-pets

Betsy Sigmon DVM

Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

It summer fun for Tinkerbell owned by Susanne Mistric