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
Betsy Sigmon DVM
Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital
It summer fun for Tinkerbell owned by Susanne Mistric
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