September sees snakes waking up from hibernation. Please be aware of this when out in the paddocks, stock routes and around town with your animals. If your animal displays any of the following signs ring the vet straight away for advice as they are the most common signs we see with brown snake bites:
• Collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness
• Struggling to stand on its back legs
• Vomiting
• Colic if it is a horse
The Forbes area does have King Brown and Black snakes as well. These show different signs – a really painful, swollen bite site that is oozing blood. It is important to identify what snake has bitten your animal to assist us in knowing what anti-venom to give. Brown snakes and black snakes have different treatments. If you are unsure what it is and if it is possible and safe to do so a photo of the snake’s head will help us, otherwise we can do tests on your animal to try and work it out.
Cats can go for up to 12 hours before they start showing signs, dogs will usually show signs within 2 hours of a brown snake bite. Please bring in all animals who have possibly been in contact with the snake for assessment as some animals show absolutely no signs before it is too late. If in doubt please call the clinic for advice or bring your animal straight in. It is better to be safe than sorry.