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Adder
Bites
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The Common
European Adders (Vipera berus) are the only venomous snakes native to
the British Isles. Priddy in Somerset is a legendary place for
them, but they can be found in a variety of habitats including
woodland areas, moors, heathland, meadows, coastal dunes, hedgerows,
and the banks of streams, lakes and ponds throughout England, Scotland
and Wales. The individual appearance of adders is variable but they can
usually be identified by the dark V or X shape on the back of the head.
The adder is generally 50-80cm in length, either grey or brown in
colour and has dark zig-zag markings on their backs which run all the
way along the body as far as the tail. A few adders are
completely black.
Adders are quite
timid in nature and will not usually bite unless they feel
threatened. The risk of adder bites is greatest on early spring
days as Adders are cold blooded and it is at this time of year when
they come out of hibernation and try to warm themselves up by
sunbathing on hard surfaces. They are more active at this time
and possibly at their most dangerous as they have full and concentrated
venom sacs following their winter sleep. Their offspring are born
in late August/early September before they return to hibernation in the
autumn. They cannot hear because they have no ears, but they pick up
vibrations.
Due to their
nature of exploring undergrowth and their general inquisitiveness dogs
can be victims of adder bites . Adder bites often occur when a dog is
out on a walk and exploring the areas where snakes are basking in the
sun. This makes them likely to disturb the snakes, either accidentally
or due to their investigative actions. Most snake bites tend to
occur between March and October when the snakes are more active due to
the warm weather.
It is very
uncommon for dogs to die from adder bites, most are bitten on the face
and limbs, but bites can occur on any part of the body. If you
look closely you may be able to see fang marks in the centre. An
adder bite results in a very painful swelling of the affected area, and
prompt veterinary attention should always be sought. In most
cases a simple injection is all that is
required, but in more severe cases drips and treatment for shock may be
needed.
Clinical
signs:
When an adder
bites, it releases venom that makes the dog’s blood vessels expand. The
venom will make the skin swell in the affected area. Sudden swelling,
hyperexcitabilty, tremors, loss of coordination, dilated pupils,
collapse, death.
Things
to do:
1. Keep your dog still
and calm.
2. If possible, don't
allow it to walk as this will raise the blood pressure allowing the
venom to travel round his body faster; carry it instead as
this will inhibit the venom from travelling round the body.
3. You must immediately
contact a vet if you know that your dog has been bitten by an
adder
- or if you suspect that it has been bitten. Try to get the
closest one as practices in adder areas will be more likely to stock
the anti-venom. They may also have more experience in dealing
with adder bites.
4. If you do not
have a car, phone a friend who does or call a taxi. On rare
occassions adder bites can kill dogs - smaller dogs, the very old or
young, those who act badly to venom (often allergy prone dogs) and
those who do not get prompt treatment are at particular risk.
5. If the bite is around the
face, head or neck, remove your dogs collar to prevent choking if the
area swells.
IN ALL CASES, DON'T PANIC. FOR YOUR
DOG'S SAKE TRY TO STAY CALM AND REASSURING.
IN ALL CASES, SEEK IMMEDIATE
VETERINARY ATTENTION.
