Cats are twice as likely to survive a venomous snakebite than dogs, and the reasons behind this phenomenon have been revealed by University of Queensland research.
Approximately 80% of pets survive snake bite if treated quickly. The survival rate is much lower however for pets that are left untreated, and death can occur. Recovery from a snake bite usually takes 24 to 48 hours if the pet receives prompt veterinary attention and the snake bite is not severe.
Recovery of Snake Bites in Cats
It takes most cats a minimum of one to two days to recover from a venomous snake bite with antivenin treatment. If immediate treatment has not been given, venomous bites are often fatal. Once discharged from the hospital, monitor the cat for any worsening in its condition.
Blood may appear from the wound, and may not clot properly due to anticoagulant properties of the venom. Localized swelling can occur, which can compromise breathing if the bite occurred on the head or neck. If neurotoxic venom was injected, muscle twitching, paralysis, and other neurologic signs may be observed.
Time of onset of signs- rapidity of onset of signs is related to dose received. In dogs it is usually 1-2 hours (but maybe 6.5 hrs) & cats it is about 15hr (up to 24hr). Dogs can die in an hour and cats may take up to 43 hr to die if left untreated. Cats show weakness & ataxia (lack of muscle control) initially.
Pets suffering from whip snake envenomation
Whip snake bites can cause localised swelling of the bite site and total limb paralysis, especially in our feline friends. This means pain relief and intensive supportive care is essential.
Treatment is supportive; IV fluids maintain blood pressure, pain control and antivenin. There are many available antivenin products in the US that will treat Crotalus envenomation. If a bite by a Mojave rattlesnake is known or suspected, the most effective antivenin products will be CroFab and Rattler.
Instead, cats have a variety of weapons at their disposal, including claws and sharp teeth, that they can use to protect themselves against predators. But cats may be equipped to fight off a snake, but they'll not do so unless they feel threatened. They don't look for snakes to kill just because they're bored.
Call your veterinarian or local emergency veterinary clinic immediately, let them know your dog was bitten by a snake, and ask if they carry antivenom. If you have to, drive to a clinic that's further away if it means your dog will have access to antivenom.
Permanent neurological injury from hypoxic encephalopathy is an important long-term effect of snake envenoming. Respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest can both result in hypoxia and multiorgan failure. In many cases, this results in an early death, but some patients survive with significant neurological impairment.
The study found that venom samples stored for 35 years were stable, with only a few enzymes showing any sign of degradation. The research also suggests that snake venom from specific species does not vary over time or with location.
The black mamba, for example, injects up to 12 times the lethal dose for humans in each bite and may bite as many as 12 times in a single attack. This mamba has the fastest-acting venom of any snake, but humans are much larger than its usual prey so it still takes 20 minutes for you to die.
In contrast, an untreated eastern brown snake bite can kill in under half an hour. "It's arguably the quickest killing venom in the world. No other snake in the world has killed people so quickly, so regularly," Dr Fry said.
Common snake predators include cats, raccoons, pigs, turkeys, guinea hens, and foxes. Keeping any of these animals around your home will help deter snakes from coming near. You can also buy fox urine and sprinkle it around your property to help deter snakes, as well.
Your cuddly kitty is a predator, a skilled hunter, and a killer. That's a cat's true purpose in life. If your pet comes in contact with a snake, its predatory instincts will kick in. Cats will circle their prey to keep it from escaping while they strike its hide with its sharp kitty claws.
Pet doors are commonly overlooked access points for snakes, and must be sealed or removed to prevent snakes from entering your home.
To keep your cat safe from snakes on and around your property remove items that attract them. Large rocks, wood piles, fallen logs, overgrown grass and shrubbery can all shelter snakes. Clean up fallen bird seed and garbage that attracts rodents and, in turn, snakes.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area to reduce the swelling, and prevent your cat from scratching it – a cat head cone would be ideal. You can apply a home remedy to reduce pain and neutralise the sting; Bee/hornet sting: a thick paste of water & bicarbonate of soda/salt.
Uncharacteristic sluggishness, unsteady gait, drooling, heavy breathing, diarrhea, seizures, and sudden bouts of vomiting are among the common clinical signs of feline poisoning (toxicosis). A cat owner who observes any of these signs will do an animal a huge favor by seeking emergency veterinary care.
Kittens don't know that teeth and claws hurt unless you explain it in kitty language the way a mother would.
These signs include muscle pain and cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and agitation. Affected dogs and cats may also develop muscle rigidity, have rapid heart and respiratory rates, and may seem painful in their abdomen.