RATTLESNAKE BITE INFOA rattlesnake bite can be life threatening to your dog or alpaca, but is not necessarily a death sentence. We learned a lot about what to look for and what to do for an animal after our labrador got bit by a rattlesnake in the alpaca field. It could easily have been one of the alpacas that received a bite. We live in a semi-desert area and rattlesnakes are a fact of life here. In fourteen years we have seen rattlesnakes in our fields for probably 10 of those years. It has always been a concern for our animal and human friends and family. We are always listening for that distinctive rattle throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Most of the time they pass through the property without harm coming to anyone. It finally happened that one of the animls got a rattlesnake bite. A rattlesnake was in the brush in our female alpaca field and our Lab and Great Pyr happened to notice it and began barking at it. The constant barking alerted us that something was wrong out in the field. By the time we got out to the field to see what was going on, we think the bite had already happened. We did not see the strike and were unsure if either dog had been bitten. The snake was destroyed and the dogs were brought into the house so we could keep an eye on them to determine that they were ok. We examined the alpacas but were pretty convinced that none of them had been bitten by the snake. Alpacas might stick their nose down to check out a snake out of curiosity and get bit, but they won't agitate a snake like two dogs will. The labrador's face had begun to swell significantly within 20 minutes of the bite. He began to have trouble breathing due to the swelling. We took a look at the Pyr to make sure that he wasn't swelling, too. He was not so we rushed the Lab to the vet and had him there within 45 minutes of the rattlesnake bite. We learned from the vet that we did the exact right thing. This would apply to an alpaca, too. The sooner you get the animal to the vet, the sooner they can help. The vet said a lot of people wait until the next day to bring an animal in to the vet. By then it's too late to help. Dogs tolerate snake bites well if they are large like our Lab. Even without treatment, 80 percent of dogs will survive the bite. We're not sure of statistics on alpacas and their survival rate to snake bites. The problem comes later when the tissue at the snake bite site begins to die from the toxic venum. The tissue will slough off and infection can set in. The animal can die from the infection if it is significant. The Vet will give your animal intravenous fluids and anti-inflammatories. This flushes out the area, dilutes the venom and reduces the swelling. Most Vets do not give an antivenom. It's expensive. We were told $250 and a dog can only receive the antivenoum once. Given a second time, it most likely will kill your dog. Our Lab was kept for two days. We visited him the day after the bite and his swelling was more than double what it had been when we took him in. They told us he was more swollen than any other animal they had seen. We think he took a direct hit on the muzzle and received a lot of venom. The next day when we went to pick him up, we were amazed at how improved he was. The anti-inflammatories had done their job. He was less swollen than when we first noticed the swelling. Because of the quick action, very little tissue damage occured. So, if you live in rattlesnake country, don't delay getting your dog or alpaca to a Veterinarian who can treat your animal appropriately. Remember, an alpaca has a smaller muzzle than a dog and doesn't mouth breathe as much as our canine friends and might have respiratory complications easier than a dog. A rattlesnake bite is survivable for your animals. If you don't witness a snake bite, but suspect one, take quick action to help your animal get through the crisis.
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