Meet Cloud and Tobias.
These two brave kitties recently survived snake bites. Both of them initially presented with similar signs of paralysis, difficulty breathing, and dilated pupils. Their owners did the right thing after noticing these signs and brought Cloud and Tobias to us to be assessed.
Treatment was immediately conducted and antivenom was administered to both of them. After hospitalization and monitoring, both Cloud and Tobias have recovered very well. We're happy to see them feeling better and getting back to being themselves!
With the weather warming up, snakes are out and about again so we urge pet owners to be vigilant in watching for possible snake envenomation in their pets. Signs of envenomation include unsteadiness, inability to walk, dilated pupils, rapid breathing and hypersalivation. With rapid diagnosis and administration of antivenom, the prognosis for survival is excellent, with up to 90% of patients surviving. Without antivenom, 1/3 of dogs and 2/3 of cats may survive. Time is critical with snake envenomation, and antivenom must be administered within 48hrs to be effective. Dogs deteriorate must faster than cats and are more severely effected by the venom, so it is even more crucial for them to have timely veterinary attention.
If you witness an encounter between your pet and a snake, DO NOT attempt to catch the snake. If the snake is dead, DO NOT touch the snake. A clear description of the snake's appearance is adequate.
Not all snake bites result in envenomation, but it is critical to present your pet to a veterinarian immediately for assessment and testing to identify whether the bite has resulted in envenomation.