Jake has been SNAKE BIT!

cascy · 05-13-2007, 04:10 PM

I went out today to doctor my mare's leg, only to find jake standing in the shade not putting any wieght on his leg!

He has two little puntcure wounds on his upper leg and another right above the hoof line! When it rains, it pours, i think i'm about to just pull my hair out!

I gave him some bute, he's starting to do some swelling, anyone have any other advice? I called the vet, he said all I could do was give him bute for now and wait and see... I hate this crap....

kupersma07 · 05-13-2007, 04:15 PM

unfortunately I am not qualified for advise but I will start praying for you and both your hoofed children and we here in virginia send big hugs to all 3 of u !

donna · 05-13-2007, 04:33 PM

Any idea what kind of snake? treatments are different according to venom type.

Faceman · 05-13-2007, 04:53 PM

Well, it wasn't a rattler or he would be down, so that leaves a copperhead or cottonmouth. Odds are it was a copperhead, so you shouldn't have anything more than some swelling. If it was a cottonmouth, that's more serious and you'll have some necrosis.

Horses get bit by copperheads regularly - except in unusual circumstances it doesn't really bother them that much. Horses are far too big for copperhead venom to do much...

donna · 05-13-2007, 04:59 PM

OK...........have some info here for you..
Get an antivenom made by Wyeth labs, called crotalin polyvalent .
This antivenom will cover the reaction caused by the venom of any/all rattlesnakes and copperheads in North America.
Most importantly, this product is made from horse serum, which gretly decreases the chances of any negative side effects.
Poison Control ( thru your vet, as available by script only) will be able to tell you where to locate this drug, perhaps Little Rock Zoo if you are close by. Even if the antivenom is expired for human use, it is still useable for animals up to 20 yrs after expiration date.
At this point, keep the wound clean and horse comfy with Bute. No ice, no tight wrappings, just cover loosely.
Good luck, keep us posted.

marti woodard · 05-13-2007, 05:13 PM

I had a horse that was bitten on the side of the nose. His head swelled up three times the normal size. Just for information for others that have this happen I was told to place curlers, open all the way through, in his nostrils to help with his breathing. (the snake was a rattler) He was also given prednisone shots twice daily. He did pull through. I know my information was not that helpful but I truly do wish you well. My heart goes out to you. Bummer!

palakida · 05-13-2007, 05:17 PM

cold hosing the leg might help reduce some of the swelling and offer some relief to your boy. Good luck and prayer to you and yours.

cascy · 05-13-2007, 05:31 PM

He won't walk, won't eat, and looks pitiful....

His leg is getting good a swollen, hope his bute will kick in soon... I held an ice pack on him for awhile, but he's very tender.....

Does the world just hate me right now or what??

My guess is that it's a copperhead, we don't have a whole lot of rattlesnakes, they are more up in the mountains then this, but could of very easily been a watermocaasin too, there a nasty old pond arcoss from the house and we've killed two of them already this year, but you see more of the copperheads... Poor guy...

donna · 05-13-2007, 05:32 PM

Is Jake a mini? Or do I have him confused with someone else?

cascy · 05-13-2007, 05:35 PM

no, jake is a two year old QH in my avatar

gypsy · 05-13-2007, 05:36 PM

He needs antibiotics-snakes mouths are filthy. Cold hose and sweat wrap, continue the bute twice a day. Tetanus booster and/or antitoxin also.

gbarmranch · 05-13-2007, 06:19 PM

Oh Casey, I am sorry - big hugs and lots of prayers...

snickers · 05-13-2007, 07:14 PM

My mare was bitten in the nose by a cottonmouth when she was bred with her first foal.

Her muzzle up just past her eyes was tripled in size.
Vey hectic, nerve racking experience.

She was given heavy doses of antihistimine for breathing and I had to monitor her heart rate.

If it was a rattler, the horse would be dead.

You want to keep him quiet and confined and do not wrap the leg.

DO not ice any more or soak, or run water over it.
Avoid "snakebite-lore" techniques. Why: The "remedies" listed below won't help your horse-and could harm him.

*Avoid cutting the snakebite wounds or applying suction. If done at all, these measures should be handled only by experienced hands, within 3 minutes of the bite. Otherwise, they may increase your horse's risk of infection and probably won't help him.
*Avoid applying ice or heat to the wounds. Both could further irritate the affected area, causing additional swelling and the risk of tissues rupturing or dying.

4. Look up the date of your horse's last tetanus toxoid vaccination. (This isn't the same as an antitoxin shot, which has been linked to a potentially fatal liver disease.)
Why: Just like any contaminated puncture wound, a snakebite invites tetanus.
How: Check your horse's vaccination records. Report the date of his last tetanus toxoid booster to your vet. If it's been 12 months or longer since his last booster, your horse will need another one.

5. Identify the snake, if you can do so without endangering yourself.
Why: Knowing the type of snake may help your vet formulate a treatment plan.
How: If the snake is visible, memorize its markings, if you can do so without getting within striking range. Report them to your vet.

To be honest, I am suprised your Vet didnt come and treat him. My Vet was here within mins.
I would be hunting up another Vet.
You really need a Vet to him and here is why.

Prognosis
Guarded to good. Only about one-half of horses bitten by poisonous snakes are actually envenomated (that is, injected with enough venom in the right place to cause life-threatening symptoms). Up to 25 percent of those horses envenomated die, depending on the type of snake.

Most deaths are caused by severe symptoms during the horse's initial reaction to the snakebite (heart and/or breathing problems), or chronic, secondary conditions (laminitis, diarrhea, pneumonia, paralysis of muscles that govern swallowing, and wound complications).

Your vet will treat your horse's pain, swelling, and any other symptoms. He or she will also clean the wound to reduce risk of infection, possibly prescribe antibiotics, and bring your horse's tetanus immunization up-to-date.

Your vet may also perform a blood test to determine whether your horse has been envenomed and to see if he'd have an adverse reaction to the antiveninan antitoxin that neutralizes the venom's effects.

If your horse has been envenomated and won't have a reaction to the antivenin, your vet may inject it intra- venously and around the bite site. Some of your horse's severely swollen tissues may die and slough off, requiring 2 to 3 weeks of treatment as an open wound.

You really need a Vet.

snickers · 05-14-2007, 06:01 AM

Hows he doing Cascy?

cascy · 05-14-2007, 06:06 AM

He's sore, still favorin his leg. He doesn't have fever though. I've been up pretty much all night

I'm getting ready to go out and check on him again, then I'm off to my new job so wonn' t be able to post back till later. I'll try to get pics if I can.... My poor boy

I feel so bad for him...

beckyp · 05-14-2007, 06:40 AM

Sending hugs and prayers from Kentucky. Poor Cascy and Jake. Hope to hear more later.

horsey-gal · 05-14-2007, 08:31 AM

Prayers for a full recovery from NS too

Hope your boy is ok.

Jadesmygirl · 05-14-2007, 08:50 AM

Scary! I hope he is ok too!

And, no, the whole world does not hate you--but when it rains, it pours sometimes-and it can sure feel that way! Things will get better soon!

TX-Reiner · 05-14-2007, 09:04 AM

(((((HUGS)))))) Lena got bit by a snake last year (Cotton mouth) The vet said to make sure I gave penicillian(sp) Tetanus shot, and hosed it down every so many hours, Her leg swelled up sooo bad, that it started splitting.. Not trying to scare you, but REALLY watch the swelling.

I saw the snake that bit Lena, (Saw it happen) so I got treatment instantly. And needless to say, that snake no longer exists!

]

Keep us updated!

Jenny

Fntsyfrm · 05-14-2007, 09:23 AM

Sending hugs and prayers from Massachusetts!

05-13-2007, 04:10 PM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	Jake has been SNAKE BIT! I went out today to doctor my mare's leg, only to find jake standing in the shade not putting any wieght on his leg! He has two little puntcure wounds on his upper leg and another right above the hoof line! When it rains, it pours, i think i'm about to just pull my hair out! I gave him some bute, he's starting to do some swelling, anyone have any other advice? I called the vet, he said all I could do was give him bute for now and wait and see... I hate this crap.... __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

05-13-2007, 04:15 PM
kupersma07 Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bent Creek , VA Posts: 414	unfortunately I am not qualified for advise but I will start praying for you and both your hoofed children and we here in virginia send big hugs to all 3 of u ! __________________ Hugs & God Bless , Ali Please learn about my story at http://www.freewebs.com/myequinestory Please sign our guestbook ! \"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step \" - Thomas Jefferson

05-13-2007, 04:33 PM
donna Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: trappe, pa Posts: 448	Any idea what kind of snake? treatments are different according to venom type.

05-13-2007, 04:53 PM
Faceman Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Arkansas Ozarks Posts: 7,421	Well, it wasn't a rattler or he would be down, so that leaves a copperhead or cottonmouth. Odds are it was a copperhead, so you shouldn't have anything more than some swelling. If it was a cottonmouth, that's more serious and you'll have some necrosis. Horses get bit by copperheads regularly - except in unusual circumstances it doesn't really bother them that much. Horses are far too big for copperhead venom to do much...

05-13-2007, 04:59 PM
donna Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: trappe, pa Posts: 448	OK...........have some info here for you.. Get an antivenom made by Wyeth labs, called crotalin polyvalent . This antivenom will cover the reaction caused by the venom of any/all rattlesnakes and copperheads in North America. Most importantly, this product is made from horse serum, which gretly decreases the chances of any negative side effects. Poison Control ( thru your vet, as available by script only) will be able to tell you where to locate this drug, perhaps Little Rock Zoo if you are close by. Even if the antivenom is expired for human use, it is still useable for animals up to 20 yrs after expiration date. At this point, keep the wound clean and horse comfy with Bute. No ice, no tight wrappings, just cover loosely. Good luck, keep us posted.

05-13-2007, 05:13 PM
marti woodard Newborn Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 30	Snake bite I had a horse that was bitten on the side of the nose. His head swelled up three times the normal size. Just for information for others that have this happen I was told to place curlers, open all the way through, in his nostrils to help with his breathing. (the snake was a rattler) He was also given prednisone shots twice daily. He did pull through. I know my information was not that helpful but I truly do wish you well. My heart goes out to you. Bummer!

05-13-2007, 05:17 PM
palakida Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 550	cold hosing the leg might help reduce some of the swelling and offer some relief to your boy. Good luck and prayer to you and yours. __________________ A child and a horse will make a liar out of you everytime. - www.palakidaranch.com

05-13-2007, 05:31 PM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	He won't walk, won't eat, and looks pitiful.... His leg is getting good a swollen, hope his bute will kick in soon... I held an ice pack on him for awhile, but he's very tender..... Does the world just hate me right now or what?? My guess is that it's a copperhead, we don't have a whole lot of rattlesnakes, they are more up in the mountains then this, but could of very easily been a watermocaasin too, there a nasty old pond arcoss from the house and we've killed two of them already this year, but you see more of the copperheads... Poor guy... __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

05-13-2007, 05:32 PM
donna Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: trappe, pa Posts: 448	Is Jake a mini? Or do I have him confused with someone else?

05-13-2007, 05:35 PM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	no, jake is a two year old QH in my avatar __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

05-13-2007, 05:36 PM
gypsy Coming two Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North Central AR Posts: 1,729	He needs antibiotics-snakes mouths are filthy. Cold hose and sweat wrap, continue the bute twice a day. Tetanus booster and/or antitoxin also.

05-13-2007, 06:19 PM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	Oh Casey, I am sorry - big hugs and lots of prayers... __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo

05-13-2007, 07:14 PM
snickers Bombproof Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Twilight Zone Posts: 9,804	My mare was bitten in the nose by a cottonmouth when she was bred with her first foal. Her muzzle up just past her eyes was tripled in size. Vey hectic, nerve racking experience. She was given heavy doses of antihistimine for breathing and I had to monitor her heart rate. If it was a rattler, the horse would be dead. You want to keep him quiet and confined and do not wrap the leg. DO not ice any more or soak, or run water over it. Avoid "snakebite-lore" techniques. Why: The "remedies" listed below won't help your horse-and could harm him. Avoid cutting the snakebite wounds or applying suction. If done at all, these measures should be handled only by experienced hands, within 3 minutes of the bite. Otherwise, they may increase your horse's risk of infection and probably won't help him. Avoid applying ice or heat to the wounds. Both could further irritate the affected area, causing additional swelling and the risk of tissues rupturing or dying. 4. Look up the date of your horse's last tetanus toxoid vaccination. (This isn't the same as an antitoxin shot, which has been linked to a potentially fatal liver disease.) Why: Just like any contaminated puncture wound, a snakebite invites tetanus. How: Check your horse's vaccination records. Report the date of his last tetanus toxoid booster to your vet. If it's been 12 months or longer since his last booster, your horse will need another one. 5. Identify the snake, if you can do so without endangering yourself. Why: Knowing the type of snake may help your vet formulate a treatment plan. How: If the snake is visible, memorize its markings, if you can do so without getting within striking range. Report them to your vet. To be honest, I am suprised your Vet didnt come and treat him. My Vet was here within mins. I would be hunting up another Vet. You really need a Vet to him and here is why. Prognosis Guarded to good. Only about one-half of horses bitten by poisonous snakes are actually envenomated (that is, injected with enough venom in the right place to cause life-threatening symptoms). Up to 25 percent of those horses envenomated die, depending on the type of snake. Most deaths are caused by severe symptoms during the horse's initial reaction to the snakebite (heart and/or breathing problems), or chronic, secondary conditions (laminitis, diarrhea, pneumonia, paralysis of muscles that govern swallowing, and wound complications). Your vet will treat your horse's pain, swelling, and any other symptoms. He or she will also clean the wound to reduce risk of infection, possibly prescribe antibiotics, and bring your horse's tetanus immunization up-to-date. Your vet may also perform a blood test to determine whether your horse has been envenomed and to see if he'd have an adverse reaction to the antiveninan antitoxin that neutralizes the venom's effects. If your horse has been envenomated and won't have a reaction to the antivenin, your vet may inject it intra- venously and around the bite site. Some of your horse's severely swollen tissues may die and slough off, requiring 2 to 3 weeks of treatment as an open wound. You really need a Vet. __________________ The "real" FACE of white trash is not here. http://diamondpfarm.webs.com/

05-14-2007, 06:01 AM
snickers Bombproof Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Twilight Zone Posts: 9,804	Hows he doing Cascy? __________________ The "real" FACE of white trash is not here. http://diamondpfarm.webs.com/

05-14-2007, 06:06 AM
cascy Bombproof Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 7,741	He's sore, still favorin his leg. He doesn't have fever though. I've been up pretty much all night I'm getting ready to go out and check on him again, then I'm off to my new job so wonn' t be able to post back till later. I'll try to get pics if I can.... My poor boy I feel so bad for him... __________________ "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."~Black Hawk

05-14-2007, 06:40 AM
beckyp Seasoned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: utica,ky Posts: 4,471	Sending hugs and prayers from Kentucky. Poor Cascy and Jake. Hope to hear more later. __________________ If not at home try the barn.

05-14-2007, 08:31 AM
horsey-gal Started Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Valley, N.S Posts: 2,128	Prayers for a full recovery from NS too Hope your boy is ok.

05-14-2007, 08:50 AM
Jadesmygirl Started Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,544	Scary! I hope he is ok too! And, no, the whole world does not hate you--but when it rains, it pours sometimes-and it can sure feel that way! Things will get better soon!

05-14-2007, 09:04 AM
TX-Reiner Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North Texas! Posts: 395	(((((HUGS)))))) Lena got bit by a snake last year (Cotton mouth) The vet said to make sure I gave penicillian(sp) Tetanus shot, and hosed it down every so many hours, Her leg swelled up sooo bad, that it started splitting.. Not trying to scare you, but REALLY watch the swelling. I saw the snake that bit Lena, (Saw it happen) so I got treatment instantly. And needless to say, that snake no longer exists! ] Keep us updated! Jenny __________________ Excuse the typos, I am aware that I am a disaster! I am the daughter of the official Typo Qeen!

05-14-2007, 09:23 AM
Fntsyfrm Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 823	Sending hugs and prayers from Massachusetts! __________________ Life without horses is not a life.