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Ventura
2301 South Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003
805.642.8562
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Thousand Oaks
2967 N. Moorpark Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805.492.2436
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Antivenin Therapy for Rattlesnake Bites
Rattlesnakes are pit vipers that belong to the family of snakes known as Crotalidae and include copperheads and cottonmouths (water moccasins). Pit vipers get their common name from a small “pit” between the eye and nostril that detects heat and allows the snake to sense prey at night. These snakes deliver venom through two fangs that the snake can retract at rest, but which spring into biting position rapidly. Virtually all of the venomous bites in the US are from pit vipers. Some—Mojave rattlesnakes or canebrake rattlesnakes, for example—care a neurotoxic venom that can affect the brain or spinal cord.
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Treatment for pit viper envenomation involves controlling shock, neutralizing the venom, controlling intravascular coagulation, minimizing tissue death and preventing any secondary infection. Therefore, veterinarians may need to use antivenin, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, fluid therapy, etc.
Antivenin is a commercially produced serum that neutralizes the effects of injected venom. A specific antibody is needed for each type of snake so knowing what kind of snake bit your pet is critical. Antivenin is extremely expensive and can have side effects in some individuals. But it can be a life saver in serious cases.
An important factor in the outcome of a venomous snake bite is how much venom was injected, but there is no way to determine that amount. If the bite was dry, the animal will survive even though it was not vaccinated, given antivenin, etc. If the bite injected a large amount of venom, even a vaccinated dog given extensive post trauma treatment may not survive.
We do know that quick action on the owner’s part improves prognosis. A venomous snake bite is a life-threatening emergency. Irreversible effects from venom begin immediately after the animal is bitten, so speed of treatment is critical. The size of the snake can sometimes indicate how much venom was injected, and the size of the snake relative to that of the pet is significant; pound for pound, smaller animals are more likely to have more problems because of the dose of venom per pound of their body weight.
Snake bite envenomization treatment is complicated. To reduce the chances of serious and potentially life threatening complications, take your bitten pet to your family veterinarian or the Pet Emergency Clinic as soon as possible.
For more information on snake bites and other medical and surgical conditions relating to your companion, go to www.veterinarypartner.com. This web address can also be found in our pet library section. To learn more about snakes and other animals in our natural environment, check out www.enature.com."
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