Beware of Copperheads

Please take a minute to read this as I hope it might prevent this from 
happening to anyone else's pet.  My 5 yr old Lab was bitten by a Copperhead 
snake last week as I walked her (leashed) through my neighborhood tot lot in 
Columbia, Maryland.  I was able to see the snake and identify it and my husband 
and neighbors confirmed it as well.  Some things I learned with this incident that 
I would like to pass along....
 
Familiarize yourself with the various snakes that are native to the area.  
Click here for photos of copperheads .  If anti-venom is needed you need to 
know what kind of snake bite it is. 
 
SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY.  We weren't even sure our dog 
was bitten as she didn't yelp when it happened and we couldn't find any fang 
marks on her.  We took her to our vet just to "get her checked out" and within 
45 minutes after the occurrence her face swelled enormously.  Our vet found 
fang marks on her muzzle and confirmed it was a snake bite.  Prompt medical 
care, and the fact that she is a large dog, SAVED HER LIFE.  She spent one 
and a half days at the emergency clinic in Annapolis.  With 'round the clock 
supportive care (and a $1200.00 vet bill) she was able to come home.
 
Keep numerous emergency vet clinic phone numbers and addresses within 
quick reach.  Not all emergency clinics are open 24 hrs nor do they have the 
ability to obtain anti-venom.  An emergency clinic in Leesburg had it on hand as 
well as the National Aquarium in Baltimore.  Anti-venom is used with a "wait and 
see" approach as it is not always indicated and it poses its own serious risks 
when administered.  It needs to be given within 72 hours of the bite.
 
We are thankful our Belle came through okay, but we worry about venomous 
snake bites taking the lives of other dogs or cats, especially if their people are 
not aware of, or prepared for the possibility.  

Brenda 

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