Minutes count when snakes bite
HELEN WOLT
June 8, 2009 - 5:13PM
Karin White often finds snakes in her backyard, which
borders Ute Valley Park. Usually she shovels strays into
a bucket and hauls them back to park grounds.
That's what she expected to do a few weeks ago, as
her dogs pranced around a coiled baby rattler in the
middle of the lawn. When her blue-heeler, Morgan,
suddenly retreated into the garage, White knew something
was wrong.
"She was staring off into space" as if in a trance,
White said.
Immediately, she took Morgan to the veterinarian. By
the time they arrived, the dog's face was swollen, and
she "looked like a polar bear," White said.
White's quick thinking speeded Morgan's recovery and
may have saved her pet's life.
With early treatment, Morgan was back home within 24
hours. The medical costs were more than $1,000 and could
have been higher with complications.
Snake sightings rise during spring and summer. Hikers
and pets are spending more time outdoors, and snakes are
venturing out of their dens for food and water. Knowing
how to avoid snakes, and what to do in the event of an
encounter, is useful for anyone who treks through
Colorado's landscape, experts say.
Dr. Karlin Erk, White's veterinarian at Belcrest
Animal Clinic, says minutes count after a snake strike.
"Seek immediate vet care. Don't wrap it, suck it, or
lance it," he said.
The severity of a bite depends on the amount of venom
released by the snake, and the size and health of the
pet, Erk said. Usually, tissue damage is the only
complication, although about 20 percent of bites are
fatal.
Venomous bites are "excruciatingly painful," Erk
said. Treatment begins with pain medication and
antibiotics.
Anti-venom may be called for in extreme cases; costs
range from $500 to $600 per vial, and more than one vial
may be needed for large animals.
Feline cases are more severe because cats usually are
smaller than dogs.
The best treatment is prevention.
Joan Sousa, park interpreter at Garden of the Gods,
where snakes are common, advises walkers and dogs stay
on the trail. Bushes and tall grass are favorite spots
for snakes.
Off the trail, dogs scouting through the terrain may
surprise snakes.
"Keep them on a leash, and keep them close to you,"
said Colorado Division of Wildlife reptile and amphibian
coordinator Tina Jackson. "Know where they're putting
their paws and noses."
Snakes can be found sunning themselves in the open,
or on dry, rocky ledges. They are attracted to water,
and places where rodents congregate.
Snakes are shy by nature.
"They want to hide. Striking is their last choice,"
Jackson said. If they are threatened, their first
defense is to coil and freeze.
"If you come across a snake, give it space, and back
away," Jackson said. "Leave it alone."
Living near open space, as Karin White does, makes it
difficult to avoid reptile encounters.
Morgan, within a couple of days after the bite, was
back to her "normal, bossy self, " White said.
LEARN MORE
"Rattlesnakessss" a free presentation by the Snake
Lady will debunk common myths.
1:15 Wednesdays, reservations are not required.
Garden of the Gods Visitor Center
1805 N. 30th St.
Information: 634-6666 for more information.
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