Snakes: Everything you need to know if a snake bites your pet

We had reported earlier that of the 21 species of snakes found in Bengaluru, only four are venomous. Many times, especially during monsoon, we may encounter snakes, and there maybe instances in which your pet might get bitten, if he/she instinctively lunged towards it. While there is a good chance that the snake could be non-venomous, it is important to have basic knowledge of the poisonous snakes, so that in the unfortunate event that your furry friend is bitten, you will be better prepared to know what to do about it.
Sindhoora Yalla of Blue Collar and wildlife enthusiast Aditya Ganesh tell us how to identify the ‘Big Four’ and what you should do in case there is a bite. The first step to treating a snake bite is to identify the snake. Some venomous snakes are neurotoxic (affect the nervous system), while others are haemotoxic (affect the blood stream). It is important to know this so that appropriate anti-venom can be provided to treat the wound. Since you may not always get a chance to see the snake that bit your dog, it is handy to know what the snake could have been, based on the habitat around you.

cobra
1) INDIAN COBRA
HOW TO IDENTIFY ONE
Appearance : The Indian cobra is a moderately-sized, heavy-bodied species. This cobra species can be identified by its relatively large and impressive hood, which it expands when threatened. It is usually 1-1.5 meters in length.
Habitat: Often found in the vicinity of water.
Type of venom: The Indian cobra’s venom mainly contains a powerful post-synaptic neurotoxin and cardiotoxin. The venom acts on the synaptic gaps of the nerves, thereby paralyzing muscles, and in severe bites leading to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.


krait
2) COMMON KRAIT
HOW TO IDENTIFY ONE
Appearance: The average length is 0.9 meters, but they can grow to 1.75 meters. The head is flat and the neck hardly evident. The body is cylindrical, tapering towards the tail. The tail is short and rounded.
Habitat: It is found in fields and low scrub jungles, as well as inhabited areas. It is known to take up residence in termite mounds, brick piles, rat holes and even inside houses. It is frequently found in water or close to a water source.
Type of venom: The common krait’s venom consists mostly of powerful neurotoxins, which induce muscle paralysis. Clinically, its venom contains presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins, which generally affect the nerve endings near the synaptic cleft of the brain.


russelsviper_saajan jogia photography
3) RUSSEL’S VIPER
HOW TO IDENTIFY ONE
Appearance: The average length is 1.2 meters, but they can grow to 1.7 meters. The head is flattened, triangular and distinct from the neck. The snout is blunt, rounded and raised.
Habitat: It is not restricted to any particular habitat, but tends to avoid dense forests. The snake is usually found in open, grassy or bushy areas, but may also be found in scrub jungles, on forested plantations and farmland. It is most common in plains, coastal lowlands and hills. This species is often found in highly urbanized areas and settlements in the countryside, as they are attracted to rodents. It does not associate as closely with human habitation as cobras and kraits.
Type of venom: It is far more dangerous than most poisonous snakes because it harms you even if you survive the initial bite. The venom destroys the kidneys, with kidney failure often claiming the lives of people who survive the initial bite, and hemorrhaging occurs throughout the body including in the pituitary gland. Damage or sufficient amount of blood loss can cause the gland to cease production of necessary hormones.

sawscaledviper
4) INDIAN SAW-SCALED VIPER
HOW TO IDENTIFY ONE
Appearance: The average length is between 38 and 80 cm (15 and 31 inches) in total length, but usually no more than 60 cm (24 inches). The head is distinct from the neck, and the snout is short and rounded.
Habitat: It is often found on a range of different substrates, including sand, rock, soft soil and in scrublands. Often found hiding under loose rocks.
Type of venom: The venom is haemotoxic. Local symptoms include swelling and pain, which appear within minutes of a bite. In very bad cases, the swelling may extend up the entire affected limb in 12-24 hours, and blisters form on the skin. The venom yield from individual specimens varies considerably, as does the quantity injected per bite. The mortality rate from their bites is about 20%.

dogwalk
FIRST AID FOR SNAKE BITES
Note the snake’s appearance. Be ready to describe the snake to emergency staff.
While waiting for medical help:
a) Move the animal beyond striking distance of the snake.
b) Have the animal lie down with wound below the heart.
c) Keep the animal calm and at rest, remaining as still as possible to keep the venom from spreading.
d) Cover the wound with loose, sterile bandage.
e) Remove any accessories from the area that was bitten.
Do not:
a) Cut a bite wound
b) Attempt to suck out venom
c) Apply tourniquet, ice or water
d) Give the animal any medications

SYMPTOMS OF A SNAKE BITE
  • When a venomous snake bites you or your dog, you will observe distinct symptoms:
  • Sudden weakness followed by collapse
  • Shaking or twitching of the muscles
  • Vomiting
  • Dilated pupils not responsive to light
  • Blood in the urine l In the later stages, paralysis may occur
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