Cats are Twice as Likely to Survive Snake Bites than Dogs

Cats are twice as likely to survive snake bites than dogs

               Thankfully, Pennsylvania only has a few species of venomous snakes and the copperhead is the most common in York County. Pets are sometimes bitten by snakes and copperhead venom can cause serious illness.

               Symptoms caused by copperhead venom include pain, swelling of the tissue around the bite and sometimes clotting problems.  Severity of symptoms depends on how much venom is injected and where the pet is bitten—bites to highly vascular areas like the lips and face may be more severe.  Though rarely fatal, snakebites should be treated with IV fluids, pain medications, antibiotics and supportive care. In severe cases, antivenin may be used.

               A recent study in Australia using the eastern brown snake shows that cats are twice as likely to survive venomous snake bites than dogs.  The main reasons for the increased survival were found to be that venom acted more slowly on cat plasma than dog plasma thus it took mush longer the venom to affect the cat’s blood clotting ability.  Cats also tend to explore and swat at a snake with their paws; a less vascular and more distant site to receive a potential bite than dogs who tend to be bitten on their nose or mouth.  Finally, dogs tend to be more active than cats which can spread venom through the body faster.

               If you suspect your dog or cat has been bitten by a venomous snake, keep your pet as quiet as possible—carry him or her to the car if you can—and seek immediate veterinary care. Try not to panic—again, most snake bites in Pennsylvania are serious but not life threatening. Try to snap a photo of the snake if you can—this may help if antivenin is needed—the species of snake must be known to give the right type. DO NOT apply a tourniquet, do not try to cut or suction the bite wound and do not give your pet any medications at home.  Do not waste time trying to clean or inspect the bite wound, take your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital for care.

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

               https://www.aaha.org/publications/trends-magazine/trends-articles/sept-2020/nb-0920/