Leila and the snake

Meet Leila...                                                                                  

Leila was presented to the Animal Emergency Centre at Hallam for evaluation of a possible snakebite. Leila had been seen playing with a snake, and a short while later she collapsed and vomited. 

The symptoms of a snake bite

Snake venom contains multiple different toxins including ones that affect nerves leading to paralysis, along with others that damage the muscles and affect blood clotting. Collapsing and vomiting soon after being bitten are signs that a lethal amount of venom has been injected by the snake. On presentation to the AEC, Leila was staggering and the time that it took to clot her blood increased along with changes in her muscle enzyme. Leila  was diagnosed with a snake bite.

What happened next?

Leila was treated with multiple doses of anti-venom along with pain relief, fluid therapy, oxygen and lots of tests to monitor her progression. She was fed via a tube into her stomach as her muscles were too weak to allow her to swallow. She had intensive nursing case including frequent rotation, physiotherapy, cleaning of her mouth, and eye lubrication. These were required because she was so weak and could not move, swallow or blink for some days.

After a pretty rocky time, Leila started to show improvement by day three, was beginning to eat by day 6 and was discharged back to her ecstatic owners on day eight. Thanks to quick action by her owners, aggressive treatment at the AEC and the commitment of her owners, Leila is currently doing well at home and is one very lucky dog!

To download an information sheet on snake bite and your pet, please click here.