Snake bites and stings

Mini Foxies are courageous, tenacious hunters and can be at risk of snake bite or insect stings.

The following remedy for snake bite was published in the Australian Shooters Journal 1994 and can mean the difference between life and death for your Mini Foxie if you live any distance from a vet. I have used Vitamin C injections for insect stings when my dog had an allergic reaction and her face swelled, threatening to block the airway. The result was remarkable with the swelling disappearing within half an hour.

The Vitamin C liquid should be warmed and a large bore needle used as it is a thick liquid. The injection can be given under the skin on the dog’s back as Mini Foxies are small breed and an intramuscular injection in the muscle of the hind legs could lead to nerve damage. Absorption is slower when injected subcutainiously (under the skin).

If your dog is able to swallow, crushed Vitamin C tablets or powder can be given by mouth as the injection is painful. Once your dog has recovered it is best to give the Vitamin C by mouth. You cannot overdose this treatment so continue to give Vitamin C until the dog is fully recovered.

Pat Colby on Vitamin C Treatment for SNAKE BITES:

....... 50ml bottles of Vitamin C can be obtained from Chemists, and most fodder or pet stores. Make sure the brand is 4mls per gram and not 2 otherwise you need twice as much at twice the cost. I mentioned the size of needles as 18 or thereabouts because the stuff can be slightly glutinous and speed is generally all important on the occasions when it is needed.

Snake venom affects the nervous system which slows down until natural functions cease and death occurs. A painful way to die. It can cause instant death but this is most unusual and I have never seen it. When a dog has been bitten, its eyes will soon appear to look all black. That is, the pupils have relaxed and dilated. Since snake bite – usually does – occur unwitnessed, if your dog slows down and becomes lethargic or distressed, do look at the eyes at once and even if they do not show much sign, get on with the injection. If by chance the fang marks are detected, (it is usually damp around the bite) use plastic gloves and rub in Vit. C. Even a chewed up tablet will work. But do not waste time looking for the marks. They often only show up a few days later when the hair falls away around them.

Dogs of 30 to 50 kg will require about 10 – 15 mls by intramuscular injection in the side of the neck. It was taught by the teaching Vet at the Veterinary College to avoid doing the injections in the back legs because it is too easy to damage vital nerves there. Three quarters to 1 cm penetration is needed, and if in doubt get it under the skin anyway. You can repeat the treatment without risk (in about 1 hours time). Vitamin C overdose results in nothing worse than diarrhoea, and anaphylaxis cannot occur. However when the dog is really sick it will allow you to do the injecting (which can sting in small animals) without objecting. If it starts to make a fuss you know that it is feeling much better, and subsequent doses should be given in powder in the mouth. It is a good idea to give two or three backups just to make sure all the venom has been detoxified.

Pat Coleby

(Pat is a farmer who writes books on animal care and lectures widely on the subject as well as being a consultant). Originally published on the Australian Shooters Journal, January 1994

Also see: Natural Pet Care by Pat Colby

N. B. Before using this remedy, it is advisable to read more on the subject in order to make an informed decision about the use of Vitamin C.