Dog bit by rattlesnake

[kboatman107]

So I was smoking a brisket today and had my Brittany out with me and he was running around the property(we have 8 acres out in the country) and ended up getting bit by a rattler in the front left leg. So he is currently at the vet getting treated. I am curious if anyone else has had a dog get bit and how it turned out.

 

[*zap*]

That sucks, I hope he gets well fast and the vet bill is not too high.

 

[Tod osier]

I have, my lab got bit in the face. He was fine after basic treatment with antibiotics and steroids. Took a couple days to be 100%, but he was up and around the next day.

 

[kboatman107]

That sucks, I hope he gets well fast and the vet bill is not too high.

Thanks! We may have to dip into the rainy day fund, but it’ll be worth it.

I have, my lab got bit in the face. He was fine after basic treatment with antibiotics and steroids. Took a couple days to be 100%, but he was up and around the next day.

That’s awesome to hear! The wife and myself have been worried sick about him. The vet seems really optimistic about it.

 

[Mike Islander]

Common and almost always survivable. We had an Aussie that was bitten at least three times. He loved to hate snakes. My bet is on your dog to recover fully.

 

[Ownthewest]

I hate to hear that! I'm a veterinarian in Texas and unfortunately see several rattlesnake bites a year. Dogs bit on the face usually fair better than being bit on a leg or the body. When bit on the leg it's possible for the skin to slough off and have serious muscle damage. However, most will recover fine. Getting immediate veterinary care usually results in better outcomes and it sounds like you did just that. I pray for a speedy recovery.

 

[codym]

Had one bit last year. Hit her with benadryl right away. I think it was a dry bite as she never swelled just two puncture marks on her chest. She's fine. Seen a bunch get bit, most make it fine.

 

[El Gavilan]

Our youngest, a mut, was bitten on the nose when he was 9 months old. Trip to the vet, a shot of antivenom and he was home later that day. Had a swollen spot on his nose for a day. $600 for the antivenom. He has since been snake avoidance trained like our other two and no issues since, even though we encounter lots of rattles here in the desert.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

[kboatman107]

Just heard from the vet a few minutes ago and she said that he took antivenom good and that his leg is swelling up quite a bit but not as much as she thought it would. She said she would have a much better idea after seeing how he does overnight.

 

[30338]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Was considering an early season sharptail hunt but ruled it out due to high temps and snakes. Bet your pup does fine.

 

[KClark]

I hate to hear that! I'm a veterinarian in Texas and unfortunately see several rattlesnake bites a year. Dogs bit on the face usually fair better than being bit on a leg or the body. When bit on the leg it's possible for the skin to slough off and have serious muscle damage. However, most will recover fine. Getting immediate veterinary care usually results in better outcomes and it sounds like you did just that. I pray for a speedy recovery.

Do you find it's worth having a dog vaccinated for rattlesnake bite?

 

[Davebuech]

Do you find it's worth having a dog vaccinated for rattlesnake bite?

I have had my dogs vaccinated. Vet says it just gives them a little more time. Our youngest dog was bitten 2 years ago and with a 45 minute drive to the vet, he just made it in time. He recovered fully with just steroids and antibiotics, no anti venom was necessary.

 

[Okhotnik]

I hate to hear that! I'm a veterinarian in Texas and unfortunately see several rattlesnake bites a year. Dogs bit on the face usually fair better than being bit on a leg or the body. When bit on the leg it's possible for the skin to slough off and have serious muscle damage. However, most will recover fine. Getting immediate veterinary care usually results in better outcomes and it sounds like you did just that. I pray for a speedy recovery.

I got the 2 rattlesnake shots as my dog and I upland hunt in snake country. I know not a 100 per cent guarantee

As a vet do you typically recommend the shots for dog owners in snake country?

 

[Ownthewest]

Yes, I highly recommend that dogs living or hunting in snake country get the rattlesnake vaccine. I give it to all of my personal dogs because one or two of them get bit every year. They still swell up and I have to treat them. However, the symptoms are not as severe, I've never had to use expensive antivenin on them, and they recover quicker.

 

[Okhotnik]

Yes, I highly recommend that dogs living or hunting in snake country get the rattlesnake vaccine. I give it to all of my personal dogs because one or two of them get bit every year. They still swell up and I have to treat them. However, the symptoms are not as severe, I've never had to use expensive antivenin on them, and they recover quicker.

thank you!

I've received different answers from different vets

 

[Smithb9841]

Don’t have any experience with this and hope that I never do, but just wanted to say hope your dog makes a speedy recovery and gets back to
Normal soon. Im Sure that’s scary for You guys to wait out

 

[RCL]

Had a Brittany struck on the paw several years ago.
A trip to the vet but no antivenom.
A lot of swelling, but he recovered just fine.

 

[kiddogy]

yup. my sister had one in her backyard a couple years back that bit her dog on the snout. dog was sick for awhile but pulled through fine, with vets help.

 

[kiddogy]

Yes, I highly recommend that dogs living or hunting in snake country get the rattlesnake vaccine. I give it to all of my personal dogs because one or two of them get bit every year. They still swell up and I have to treat them. However, the symptoms are not as severe, I've never had to use expensive antivenin on them, and they recover quicker.

so is there a vaccine for humans also?
I have no plans to use it if there is , I am just curious.

 

[dakotaduner]

Sorry to here that. Hope for a great recovery