Adder bite kills dog in Rickmansworth
April 8th 2008
A local resident from Rickmansworth has lost her dog to organ failure after the dog had suffered an adder bite whilst walking at Rickmansworth Aquadrome just over a fortnight ago.
The lady had been walking the dog on a sunny day at the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and had let it off its leash when the dog returned in distress. The dog was taken to the local veterinarians under the belief that the dog had suffered a bee sting, but unfortunately when the diagnosis of a venomous bite by an adder was made there was no antidote for the veterinarian to administer.
One local resident Anne said, "When I was younger I remember there being signs at Rickmansworth Aquadrome that warned of adders in the area. I am slightly concerned that mothers and young toddlers have picnics there and the risk that they may come across a snake is not being displayed on signs, like they used to".
Adders are cold blooded and like to sunbathe on hard surfaces such as paths. They are not naturally aggressive and will disappear fast if they 'hear' someone coming, but if an adder is taken by surprise it may bite in self defence. Curious dogs occasionally annoy adders and provoke an attack.
It is very uncommon for dogs to die from adder bites, but they do need prompt treatment. In most cases a simple injection is all that is required, but in more severe cases drips and treatment for shock may be needed. The smaller the dog, the greater the chance of death.
When bitten, dogs' heads can swell up, right back to the neck and even beyond. The collar usually will have to be loosened and the dog will probably be very ill.
Adder bites in dogs can even lead to temporary paralysis or blindness. In extreme circumstances, the animal may even die.
Male adders are usually black and white, sometimes with a hint of green or cream. Females, which are bigger than their mates, are a variety of different colours. They live between four and ten years and grow up to 60 centimetres (2ft).
Adders are never deliberately aggressive creatures and should not be feared, but also not alarmed by getting too close to look at them.
Some useful information if your dog is suffers a snake Bite
The adder is the only naturally occurring poisonous snake in Britain. It is 50-80cm long, grey or brown with a dark zigzag stripe on the back. A few adders are black. Adders generally live on moors and heaths, and the risk of adder bites is greatest on warm summer days.
Clinical signs:
When an adder bites, it releases venom that makes the dog’s blood vessels expand. The venom will make the skin swell in the affected area. Sudden swelling, hyperexcitabilty, tremors, loss of coordination, dilated pupils, collapse, death.
Things to do:
1. Keep your dog still and calm.
2. If possible, don't allow it to walk; carry it instead.
3. You must immediately contact a vet if you know that your dog has been bitten by an adder
- or if you suspect that it has been bitten.
IN ALL CASES, DON'T PANIC. FOR YOUR DOG'S SAKE TRY TO STAY CALM AND REASSURING.
IN ALL CASES, SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY ATTENTION.
If you are a local veterinarian and would like to offer some further advice or you are a dog walker who uses the Aquadrome then please contact the Editor at editor@rickmansworthweb.co.uk |
