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healthy horse hints™


Snakebite! Be Prepared!


You hear of horses being bit, but you never think it will be one of yours. Well, think again.


by Shari Frederick B


e alert for snakes, especially those first warm days of spring. Snakes are coming out of hibernation in early spring, and are out and about all summer long. You may encounter snakes on trail rides, particularly in rocky areas, high grass, and thick brush. Snakes may even lurk in your own barn, hoping to feast on resident rodents.


Snakes have sharp fangs and bite very quickly. Your horse may not react initially when bitten or may spook unexpectedly then settle down. Common areas of equine snakebite are the muzzle/nose, legs, and chest.


• One or two small visible holes caused by fangs


HHH Signs of snake bite:


• Initially a small dribble of blood at the bite site


• Heat in the general area • Extreme localized swelling which spreads to a larger area as the venom circulates


• Limping and avoiding weight on the limb (if bit on the leg)


• Severe respiratory distress when bit on the head


• Exhibition of pain such as flared nostrils and quivering lower lip


• Eyes appear fully dilated with large black pupils


• Eventual thick discharge of venom from multiple sites


• Tissue damage from the venom • Horse may collapse and/or seek seclusion


• Sloughing is common around a water moccasin/cottonmouth bite.


20 | www.holistichorse.com


Horses can go into shock following snake- bite. Uncommon snakebites from coral, cobra and mamba are neurotoxic causing initial excitement followed by general weakness, depression and muscle tremors.


If your horse has been exercising, snakebite is much more serious due to the propensity to spread the venom faster. The size of the snake also increases the risks. Per bite, a large snake injects more venom. The larger the fang spread, the larger the snake. A head bite can lead to swollen nasal passages which may close completely without immediate attention. Although venom is a concern, even more so is the presence of toxins in the blood which can come from bacterial toxemia originating from an infection at the bite.


1. Immediately after a bite use a sterile instrument to make shallow incisions in the bite. Using a suction cup (over the counter kits available), remove the venom. DO NOT SUCTION BY MOUTH! There is a risk of human poisoning via mouth lesions.


HHH First Aid for Equine Snakebite


2. Consider a tourniquet placed 2 inches above the bite (if on a limb area); loosen for 2-3 minutes every 15 minutes. Do not tie so tight arterial circulation is stopped. 3. Keep the horse calm while waiting for the vet.


4. Consider support such as Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic for shock, as well as Silver Linings (www. silverlingherbs.com 1-866-543-6956) #25 INF-X and #24 Immune Support applied by mouth with a syringe to fight the infection and strengthen the horse’s immune system. 5. Using an ice pack, keep area cool to slow circulation and lessen swelling. NOTE: All of the above should be standard first aid gear for saddle bags! Keep Penicillin G in the barn refrigerator for emergencies.


Snakebite: Your vet should have antivenin for snakes common to your geographic area. It is ex- pensive, but the best treatment available. An alternative for some vets is a broad- spectrum antibiotic (such as Penicillin G) to fight infection, corticosteroids such as dexamethasone for the inflammation (some say this is contraindicated), fluids for support and to combat shock, and Bute for pain. Many vets will also admin- ister a tetanus booster as well. A blood test can determine the type of snake, but is usually not possible due to time constraints.


HHH Common Veterinary Care for


Snakebite Homeopathic support can be given every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours then continue Apis 6c for swelling 3 times a day and Arnica montana 30c hourly. Lachesis IM can be used hourly for horses with nose snakebite.


HHH Natural Alternatives for


Snakebite KEY points: ◆ Remove yourself and your horse from further danger ◆ Make a note of the type and size of the snake ◆ If possible DO NOT walk, ride or trailer the horse ◆ Call the vet. Provide useful information for the vet to identify the snake ◆ When available, administer snake antivenin, immune and infection supports


Holistic Horse™ • April/May 2012 • Vol.19, Issue 78


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