A Cumbrian vet is warning owners to be vigilant after providing emergency care to a dog which was bitten by an adder, the UK’s only venomous species of snake.
Winston the five-year-old foxhound was lucky to receive prompt treatment with antivenom at Paragon Veterinary Group’s surgery in Dalston.
Vet Graham Lewis said: “Adder bites are rare but it’s pretty serious when they do happen. Untreated the venom can get into the dog’s system and it can be fatal.
“Winston was lucky as he was brought to us very quickly and we were able to give him the antivenom right away.”
Hayley McVicar, Winston’s owner, had gone for a walk along Hadrian’s Wall when he was bitten by the snake.
“We parked at Steel Rigg car park and walked past Sycamore Gap and then turned to do a loop back,” said Hayley who lives in Ivegill and works as an equine technician at Paragon’s Newbiggin centre.
“We were walking along below the wall when we saw an adder slithering across our path.
Winston was on the lead and didn’t notice it. We left it alone and carried on. Winston was ahead on the flexi lead when all of a sudden we saw him jump back looking a bit shocked and he started rubbing his face on the floor.
“We saw there was another snake and wondered if he had been bitten. It didn’t seem to bother him too much at first but after about 10 minutes he started to get very lethargic, and he was walking behind me with his head low, and the side of his face was starting to swell up.”
She phoned Paragon and was advised to bring him in as quickly as possible.
Not all veterinary surgeries stock antivenom so it’s important to call the vet right away so they can get some in, said Graham. Paragon veterinary nurse Eve Dennison immediately went to collect antivenom from another practice, making it back as Hayley and Winston arrived.
Graham said: “We gave him the antivenom and had him on a drip as he was showing early signs of shock and was drooling quite a lot.”
Winston was kept in overnight with vet nurse Emma Rowan helping make sure he could eat despite excessive salivating.
Luckily Winston recovered without further problems.
“There are two big concerns,” said Graham. “First, the venom gets into the system and causes anaphylactic shock which can be fatal. And second that it can cause necrosis of the tissue in the area of the bite. I have treated a dog which had to have its leg amputated because of this.
“With a bite on the muzzle there is the worry that it could cause the area of the face to die off and that would almost certainly be fatal.”
If a leg is bitten owners are advised to elevate the limb above the heart and if possible, carry the dog back to the car. But this is not possible with larger dogs, said Graham.
“The key thing is do whatever you can to get the dog to the car and get to the vet – but remember to phone ahead first so they can have everything ready for you when you arrive,” said Graham.
“If you just suspect an adder bite then the same applies. Often the dog goes quiet afterwards. The big thing we look for is one or two puncture marks and fairly localised swelling.”
He added, “I have dealt with three cases of adder bites in 18 years so it’s pretty rare. Not all adder bites inject venom. Adders try to avoid biting animals, they are not aggressive. And adder numbers are decreasing massively.
“But if you come across one, stay well away. The common sites for them seem to be sand dune areas, especially in spring and summer, and upland areas.
“If your dog yelps or suddenly goes lame or there are signs of a puncture, get to a vet right away and phone ahead.”
Hayley said: “I think adders usually keep to themselves, but it was a nice warm day and I believe that can bring them out. They are well camouflaged. It’s worth remembering to keep dogs on a lead and close.”
