Copperhead Snake Bites in Dogs: Is there a doctor in the house?

 As North Carolinians celebrate a glorious spring, there has been an upswing in copperhead snake bites starting last week at Creature Comforts. Although Caylee Lee would have preferred to not be the winner in this lottery, nevertheless,  her ticket was drawn last week. This unfortunate encounter resulted in an overnight stay in the Creature Comforts Hospitality Suite, as well as 24 hours of fluids and supervision. 

What are the signs of a snake bite in your dog?

Most commonly, there will be bruising, pain, and swelling that spreads rapidly, although the puncture site is not always found. Some bleeding at the puncture site is often noted. This is due to the venom of crotalids (Pit Vipers) which contains toxic protein components which leads to tissue damage, shock, and low blood pressure. The crotalid family of snakes includes copperheads, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins (cottonmouths). These snakes have triangular heads, cat-like eyes, and are thick-bodied.  To identify snakes found in North Carolina, two good websites are: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/copperhead-1.htm

http://www.livescience.com/43641-copperhead-snake.html

When should a client seek veterinary care?

Immediately! Carrying your pet to the car and remaining calm is important. Do not apply ice, apply compression, make cuts in the skin, or attempt to suck out the puncture sites. 

How are they treated?

Most copperhead bites are dry bites (little to no venom) so anti-venom is rarely used due to both the extreme expense and lack of true need. Typically intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain control, and anti-shock therapy are employed to combat shock. For patients with facial punctures, monitoring for breathing difficulties due to acute head/neck swelling that may include an emergency tracheotomy is critical for the first 12 hours. In addition, blood work, electrocardiogram, and blood pressure monitoring may be recommended in the estimated 24 hour hospital stay. 

What is the prognosis?

This depends on the size of the snake, the amount of venom injected, the location of the bites, the size/age of the dog, and the time lapsed prior to treatment. The area around a swollen puncture site may become extremely discolored and even slough several days later.  In people it is estimated over 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes (45,000 bites of venomous & non-venomous snakes) each year; yet only 12 of these bites are fatal. There are no similar central data figures available for pets. North Carolina leads the nation in crotalid bites as copperheads tend to strike rather than leave when confronted. 

What actions lower the risk of snake bites in their yard?

Keeping debris away from your house, cutting the grass, avoid storing wood against the house, and trimming shrubs are important landscaping tips. When out with your pet this time of year stay on open paths, especially at dusk. Avoid allowing pets to explore under logs, and when they appear super curious about something in the yard back off when possible. 

My thanks to Bella Willoughby and Caylee Lee for the photos.

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP Canine & Feline Practice

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC

Key West at Sunset