Last month, Shania was out in the backyard playing with Sephy. All of a sudden, there were piercing Shiba warning cries. When Sephy alerts in this fashion, something is usually up, so we quickly went to investigate.
We found a rattlesnake under one of the bushes!
I quickly got Shania inside, and my partner killed the snake with a shovel because Shiba Sephy was still in bite proximity.
It was too late though, because Shania had already gotten bitten by the snake.
Signs of a snake bite –
- She rubbed her muzzle in the grass a few times, which is usually an indication that there is discomfort on her face.
- She occasionally tried to paw at her face.
- She came inside, and went to hide in the corner. She does this when she is really not feeling well.
- There was some slight swelling on her face. At this point, the bite site was not visible.
We put the dead rattler in a bag and rushed Shania to the emergency room.
When our dog gets bitten by a rattlesnake –
- Do not panic. Stay calm and keep our dog calm. Stress and activity will cause the venom to move through her system more quickly.
- Even if we just suspect that it is a rattlesnake bite, take our dog to the vet or emergency room as soon as possible. I made the mistake of calling the emergency room first, and the silly receptionist said, “It can’t be a rattlesnake. Dogs that get bitten by a rattlesnake immediately keel over and die.” This was of course nonsense (more later on the different poisons and what can cause death). Only listen to the vet.
- If possible, snap a picture of the snake for the vet because then, they will know exactly what type of bite they are dealing with. The vet tech at the reception desk refused to believe that Shania was bitten by a rattlesnake until she saw the snake. Then they admitted us in right away.
Dog Rattlesnake Bites
Some things I learned from the vet about rattlesnake bites-
- The severity of the bite depends on how much venom the snake released, and on the size of the dog. Smaller dogs are at greater risk.
- There are generally two types of rattlesnake venom. The vet said that the snakes in our area have the more wimpy venom. According to Wikipedia the wimpy venom is classified as Venom B, and the bad-ass venom is classified as Venom A.
- Mojave toxin is a powerful neurotoxin. As such, it can cause severe neurological degradation which can lead to …
“vision abnormalities and difficulty swallowing and speaking.”
~~[Wikipedia]“Death, when it does occur, is the result of respiratory failure. … the highly dangerous venom containing Mojave toxin is present in C.s. scutulatus populations inhabiting southern California, southwestern Utah, southeastern Nevada, parts of western and southern Arizona, and the Big Ben region of Texas.”
~~[Texas Snakes:Identification,Distribution,and Natural History]
Their potent venom is the result of a presynapticneurotoxin composed of two distinct peptide subunits. The basic subunit (a phospholipase A2) is mildly toxic and apparently rather common in North American rattlesnake venoms. The less common acidic subunit is not toxic by itself but, in combination with the basic subunit, produces the potent neurotoxin called “Mojave toxin.”. … Venom A bite from Mojave rattlesnakes is more than ten times as toxic as Venom B, which lacks Mojave toxin.[15]
~~[Wikipedia]
- Heavy concentration of Venom B (wimpy venom) may inhibit blood from coagulating, which can cause an animal to bleed to death. The vet measured the percentage of blood cells affected by the venom to make sure that this was not a danger for Shania. She did this several times as the venom progressed through Shania’s system.
Venom B causes pronounced proteolytic and hemorrhagic effects.
~~[Wikipedia]
Treatment and Recovery
The vet at the emergency hospital decided not to give Shania anti-venom because she said that the anti-venom can sometimes cause complications and Shania, luckily, did not receive a large dose of venom.
Initially, they tested Shania’s blood to make sure that it was not overly affected by the venom. They also gave Shania a shot to dull the pain and discomfort.
Then, we stayed on for a couple of hours because the vet wanted to see if the bite site would show. She wanted to clean it properly so that there was no risk of infection. However, after two hours we still could not see the bite site, so the vet sent us home with some pain tablets. Our hope was that Shania could rest more comfortably at home.
At this time it was already close to midnight, so I stayed up with Shania to make sure things did not get worse. Sadly, her face continued to swell during the night, she could not sleep because of the pain, and she would not eat or drink. I called the vet several times during the night to check if we should bring Shania in again.
At around 2 in the morning, we brought Shania back. At the hospital, they can continue to monitor her blood cells, give her an IV drip, as well as morphine for the pain. She stayed at the hospital for over 2 days.
After about 1 day the bite site finally showed up, so they were able to shave the area and properly clean it.
After about 2 days, the swelling on her face started to recede and Shania was more alert and interested in food. We were so happy to hear this, and even happier to hear that we could bring her home!
Useful Links
- There is a canine rattlesnake vaccine produced by Red Rock Biologics. Here is a very useful article on the vaccine from UC Davis.
- Another informative article from UC Davis on prevention measures, what to do after a bite, what *not* to do, and treatment options at the vet.
Reading your report on your dog’s rattlesnake bite, and all the following comments has been very educative. Thank you for that! I’ve just returned from WA state, after travelling some 800 miles over 11 days, while tenting at various Lake Roosevelt campgrounds that had these rattlesnakes!! Temperatures were as high as 110° in some of the areas that I visited. In spite of my many vacation travels to WA, ID, & MT, I never gave rattlesnakes much regard and now I feel like such a fool for not being better informed, or more aware. Thank god no harm has ever come to my (almost) 5 year old rottweiler. I live on southern Vancouver Island where we don’t have these snakes. At one of the campgrounds, I met a couple from AZ, & they said they couldn’t believe how ignorant people in this area were about rattlesnakes. They told me 3 days earlier, at my very campsite spot, they’re was a rattlesnake and that the family harassed the snake until it went away. They went on to say that none of the dogs here had aversion training. I’m now considering getting the anti-venom vaccine as we are headed down again for 3 more weeks of vacation. Unlike before, my dog will now be kept on a leash. This has been extremely good learning for both my husband and myself. Thank you again for sharing your story and I’m happy to hear the outcome was good. Forewarned, for armed, or something like that. Cheers from Victoria, BC.
Thank you Ingrid and big hugs to your Rottie.
Hi,
All three of my dog have has the rattlesnake vaccine and one of my rat terriers went through the aversion training. I highly recommend it to anyone that has rattlesnakes in their area. My other rattie, who has not been through training, got bit yesterday on the snout by a baby rattler. Her symptoms are not as bad as could be and we were able to pass up on the $900 vile of antivenin. She’s pretty sick right now but she’s on a pain patch, pain pills and antibiotics. My rattie that did go through aversion training was really weird yesterday and didn’t want to go outside or leave my side. I think he sensed they were around. This was two rattlers in one week that we caught and killed. I know there’s more, so now I need to find methods to trap and block.
I live in Alabama we have ground rattlers, copperheads, and several venomous snakes. I find all kinds of snakes in my yard and garage
I have put out rolled up tight plastic bird netting around my yard I have caught snakes last year and this year. I don’t always see them. But I have seen about 6 dead or dying in the net. They get caught in the netting and die. The tighter I roll the nettling will allow it to trap smaller snakes.
This is cheep and easy and it works. I have not seen a snake or snake skin that was not caught in my yard in 2 years.
We live in Redding, Ca. and have had many rattlesnake encounters. We have had four different Dobermann’s get bit and I or one of the dogs have caught the snake in each instance. In each case the dog swelled severly at the bite site. In one of the cases one of our other dogs carefully bit the bite site open on the affected dog to allow the swelling and what I now believe the toxin to drain from the wound. The dog Komet made a full recovery in about a week and that was over a year ago. I had taken him to the vet VCA and the doctor was at a loss a second doctor remarked that if it was a rattlesnake the dog should have been dead. I had to show them the two puncture wounds from the bite which were about 3/4″ apart and the snake that I found and was forced to kill matched the puncture wounds. It was only about 3 feet long but, very aggressive. I recently found two rattlesnakes that my dogs apparently attacked and killed and partially ate with no ill affects. One was a baby and the other about 3.5 feet long from what remains I could piece together. These snakes are a real danger and I believe they are seeking water. With five Dobermann’s and all the other preventative measures we take for parasite control the snake antivenin is not an affordable option at this time. So, I patrol the property 6+ acres and attempt mitigation measures such as snake repellant and snake relocation when feasible. It’s unfortunate if you loose a dog (family member) but, we’ve been lucky. What is more frightening is the fact that one of our human family members could be very easily bitten. So, be very aware of where you step the snakes camouflage very well but, are normally not aggressive unless harassed. Also when it is colder they are more docile and remember they do serve a purpose and we usually encroach into their domaine. Just sharing an experience in a hope to educate.
Hi, we live in Oroville, CA, not too far from Redding. Yesterday, my 15 month old rat terrier stuck her snout into some bushes on a lizard hunt and came out with a rattlesnake bite. She immediately yelped and scurried out of there. Within 5 minutes I figured out she had been bit which I assumed it was a rattler. She had started shaking and had difficulty walking. Just 4 days ago, my husband found and killed one in our yard. After Lulu got bit, hubby searched the bushes and sure enough, came out with a foot long baby rattler. After a 40 minute drive to the Emergency Vet Hospital in Chico, they rushed her in to get stabilized. Because the bite was on her face and she had previously gotten the rattlesnake vaccination, the doc agreed that the antivenin shot would probably be okay to pass on. They injected with with under skin hydration, gave her a pain pain patch and sent her home with antibiotics and tramadol for extra pain medication. Last night she slept okay. This morning took a few bites of food. She is not interest in drinking anything and just whines in pain. Her tummy is very sore and painful and it hurts her to move around. I gave up my bed to her and her toys hoping she will recover soon. I’m unable to find anything that references how long it takes to recover or what the process is like. Any suggestions?
The Most Scariest thing…is the Typical untrained Vets they have here in California. I would get the word out about V.C.A.
I’m getting a puppy soon( I don’t know when) and I ‘m worried that my future dog will get bitten by a rattlesnake. I live in Northern CA so I don’t think the area has a lot of rattlesnakes but I worry anyway. I’m really, really, really scared my future best friend/pet will get severely injured or maybe even die. I can’t stand seeing animals die even in movies or videos and stuff like that.
If you live in Northern California, you are SURROUNDED by rattlesnakes! Even the Mojave Greens have started making their way into the Sierra. Don’t fool yourself. Be aware AND prepared.
Thank you for this. We faced down a rattlesnake this afternoon and luckily it did not strike, but next time I’ll know what to do if my lab gets bit. I don’t know what would have happened if she hadn’t seen if first on the trail.
Two of our four small dogs were bitten by an 8″ long baby rattlesnake hiding under a bush in the backyard. We originally had no clue they had been bitten. They came inside through the doggy door, sat next to us and after a few minutes, I noticed the lip on our Pomeranian start to swell and it had a spot which looked slightly injured. We then checked the other dogs and our Chihuahua also had swelling on her nose.
Not knowing if it was a snake bite or bee sting, we rushed them to the vet and brought our other two dogs with us for safety as well. After a quick blood test, the vet confirmed it was a Western Diamondback rattlesnake. Fortunately the vet was able to work with us on the enormous bill and they started treatment with antivenin immediately. Both of our dogs went home the next day and after three days were fully recovered.
My Pom had rattlesnake antivenin injections several months ago and his symptoms were slight, his pain was obviously less severe and his recovery time was shorter. Unfortunately our Chihuahua had more severe swelling and pain, but we’re ecstatic that they survived and are fine.
We did find the snake the next day and have worked hard to make the back yard as rattlesnake resistant as possible, including eliminating any gaps greater than 1/4″, removing plants and items where snakes might hide. We’ve also put commercially available snake repellant around the perimeter of the property.
I am glad that they both came through ok.
Also very glad to hear that the rattlesnake vaccine is helpful in terms of lessening the symptoms, pain, and recovery time. Both my Huskies got vaccinated at the beginning of the year, and we will probably keep up with it every year.
My female English Bulldog (60 lbs.) was bitten by a canebrake timber rattlesnake in the face. The snake did not rattle until after my girl was bitten. She received the anti-venom within an hour, but died two hours later. She bled a huge amount out her rectum and I think other internal bleeding. She was brave and never whimpered or cried. I massaged her ears as the vet treated her and I was loving her as she passed. My neighbor killed the five foot snake while I carried her to the vet. The snake had already killed a squirrel in my back yard when my girl approached. My neighbor carried off the snake and the squirrel. — Three hours and she was gone. Madison, Georgia
hello my name is hayley. i had two dogs of mine die yesturday from a diamond back rattle snake in my back yard. my dogs were a pitt bull boxer mix and a bull mastiff mix. they both attacked the snake and as soon as we heard theyre whimpers and saw the snake i ran them inside to check them out. they both had blood all over them and werre both panting and acting wierd. i knew they got bit. i picked them up and put them in the car and rushed them to the vet. they asked me for 800$ each for them both to have a vile of anti venom. i had NO money. i called and begged but to no avail. the vet said it was useless anyways because theyre temps were almost peaking 105 and could cause a stroke. me and my family then decided they had to be put down. they were bit at around 1:30 and died at 2:07 in the afternoon. we hardly had a chance to say goodbye. so i dont want to see on here that it takes hours. no. it takes minutes. i lost my 2 best friends in the same day. i just got lucky that my lab was not out there because then i would be with no companion in this difficult time.
I feel for you..the samre thing happened to my dog…2 hours and she was gone…bitten by a Mojave snake.
My advice is for everyone to find a Holistic Vet and to read reveiews of Vets before you go…
Here’s a link to see Shania’s photo and read more about rattlesnake bites in RAFU’s Animal Bytes column. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Take care!
http://www.rafu.com/2013/06/animal-bytes-beware-of-snakes/
I work at the Rafu Shimpo, an English & Japanese newspaper, born 1903, in Los Angeles. We publish an Animal Bytes monthly column by vet, Dr Stephanie Oba of San Diego and this month she talks about pets and rattlesnake bites.
Wondering if we could include a photo of Shania with her column. Credit will be to your website or other?
What an ordeal for you and Shania! So happy to hear and see that the outcome is positive. She’s adorable!
Thanks for your consideration! xoxo Gail
Yeah, I was so glad when the vet told us that Shania was feeling better and that we could bring her home. We are taking added precautions so that hopefully, it won’t happen again. Our vet also gave her the rattlesnake vaccine just in case.
Sure. Please post us a link to the article when it comes out.
Sorry, please skip reading the second entry below this one as I was just adding something, and now I have to add something else. We did take Max to a rattlesnake aversion training and it does work. A month after his training he came upon another rattler during the daytime in an open area under our back deck. I was sitting nearby with my back to this snake when Max barked and ran out of range of the snake. He saved himself and me. The aversion training really works. I’m not sure for how long but Max seems to remember other things quite well.
Yeah, I was also really surprised when the vet did not give Shania the anti-venom. I thought it had to be applied ASAP, which was why we rushed to the emergency room.
Thanks for telling us Max’s rattlesnake experience. If you have the time, I would really like to hear more about the setup of the snake aversion training –
1. Did they let you be in the training area with Max? Were the snakes far away in a cage? Did they apply the shock when the snaked rattled, when Max first saw the snake, or when Max approached the snakes?
2. How did Max respond?
3. Were there any other changes in behavior afterwards?
4. Does Max now stay away from all snakes or just rattlesnakes?
5. How many times did they have to apply the shock?
6. How long was the training session?
7. Did they train other dogs together with Max or is it one dog at a time?
We are planning to give Shania the rattlesnake vaccine on her next vet visit. The doctor at the emergency room said good things about it, and according to what I have read it will lessen the effect of the poison. However, I am considering all options, so I want to learn more about snake aversion training.