Horses and Snake Bites
Antivenom was also a great step up in the fight against snake bites, figures show that in 1906 up to 50% of snake bites would result in death, but these days, the fatality rate is very low, so really, you have more chance of being hit by a car than bitten by a snake, so don't have a massive freak out!.
You just need to be aware and alert, and you have to know what to do in a sticky situation.
There are many types of snakes native to Australia, and they are all found in different areas of our country. Snake species found in Australia include the common brown snake, sometimes called the eastern brown snake
Brown Snake
All of the snakes listed above are venomus, some more dangerous than others. The Brown Snake is found all over Australia (except in Tasmania) and has very potent venom. A snakebite from this creature causes more deaths in Australia than any other.
Snakebite on a Horse
Horses have a good chance of survival if bitten by a snake, as they are large in size, meaning that it would take much more venom to kill a horse than it would a human, and snakes are said to have a conscious choice as to whether or not to just bite the victim, or to bite and inject venom.
Apparently, more often than not, snakes do not bite to kill horses, more to warn them off, and therefore, on occasion, no venom is injected.
If you have found your horse with a swollen bite site that you think may be related to a snakebite, call your vet. If you've seen the snake, then that's even better, you know for sure what caused the bite.
Next, try to establish where your horse has been bitten, most commonly this is on the muzzle, as a horse will have lowered his head to get a good look at the thing slithering beneath his nose. The biggest danger with these bites is that the muzzle swells so much that it makes breathing difficult or impossible for the horse.
In this case, carrying two lengths of flexible but strong garden hose (each approx 6 inches long) may save your equine friend's life. The pieces of hose can be lubricated (with vaseline or similar product) and inserted into each nostril to keep the swelling from cutting off your horse's airways. This will buy you some time for the vet to arrive.
It is important to get treatment for your horse, as sometimes antivenom may not be the best answer. Some horses also can go into shock, and so may require further veterinary attention.
Has Your Horse Been Bitten By a Snake
Horses and Snake Safety Tips
Snake Fangs
Snakes aren't going to go out of their way to find you or your horse. The only problem you have with them is when you take them by surprise and when you feel threatened by either you or your horse. If you leave them alone, you'll be fine. Having said that, you still have to take a few (very simple) precautionary measures.
1. Always carry a mobile phone with you when out riding or walking out in a remote location. If you have to go and catch your horse from the back paddocks, take it with you.
2. Wear sensible shoes and clothing. Going barefoot through long grass is a no-no. Just like when you're riding, we want to see good solid boots on those feet!.
3. Arrange to have paths mown through your paddocks particularly in areas with long grass. It's much safer to ride on tracks than go bush bashing though knee high grass.
4. Be prepared, just in case. Have a first aid kit with appropriate equipment in case of snakebite, for you and your horse.
5. Keep your stables clean and tidy. Keeping areas well kept, and mown will discourage snakes from coming close to any sheds/stables you may use. Try to keep your mice and rat population down, as rodents may attract hungry snakes.
6. Always inspect objects before picking then up in the paddokc and around the stables. Snakes may have found hiding spots in hollow logs, or under woodpiles, and disturbing a snake is not so much of a good idea.
7. When out walking/riding in paddocks watch where you're going, Check the other side of logs before jumping them or walking over them, and keep your wits about you.
8. Make everyone aware of the danger Print a safety list, and stick it up in the tack room. Make everyone aware of what needs to be done to have a hassle free summer.
Recognising a Snake Bite
This is a very scary situation, but you need to keep a clear mind and learn how to recognise what has gone on, what you need to do is get assistance fast.
Snake Bite Mark on Womens Hand
A snakebite doesn't have to look like those two little punture marks you see on vampire movies.
Sometimes, a bite is even painless, and
can appear to be more of a stratch, or laceration, swelling, bruising and bleeding may occur.
Horse Bitten By a Snake
Usually the first symptoms include a headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, vomiting and confusion. Sometimes the victim loses consciousness,
if treatment is not administered, more advanced symptoms include abdominal pain, haemorrhaging and paralysis, following
that, respiratory failure can be caused as a result of the paralysis, and death is the result in the worst case scenario.
Interesting Snake Facts
95% of snakebites occur on the limbs, 75% of these on the leg.
Even if punture wounds are present, a snake may have injected a little or even no venom.
Snake Bite Wound
Snakebite on a Person
CALL 000
Get an ambulance our right away. Remember not to hang up the phone until the operator says you can, keep your cool and explain exactly what has happened. Give clear and direct directions to your exact location, and stay put until help arrives.
COMMUNICATE
If the victim of the bite is someone other than yourself, keep talking and reassuring the person until help arrives. It is important to keep the victim calm and still, as movement and an increase in blood circulation will only allow the venom to spread.
BANDAGE
Place padding and a firm bandage over the bite. The bandage should not stop the blood flow to the limb, but should be as firm as you would put on a standard ankle or wrist bandage, if the bite is on the head, back or neck and cannot be bandaged, apply a pad and pressure to the bitten area.
Bandages should NOT be removed once applied, as this will allow the venom to spread rapidly as full circulation is restored. If you can identify the snake, be sure to tell the ambulance officers what it looked like. Antivenom may then be administered.
If you don't know what the snake looked like, tell them so, if you are not 100% certain, the ambulance officers will have to treat the patient as though the snake was unidentified.
BE ALERT and PREPARED
Have a first aid kit handy always
If you're out riding in a remote area, carry the following on you
A mobile phone
Stretchy bandages
2 Lengths of garden hose approximately 6 inches long
Always be cautious when riding, and be aware that snakes are around whether you see them or not, and they're probably
as scared of you as you are of them, so just leave them alone and enjoy your ride.
Interesting Snake Facts
Antivenoms are prepared from horse serum, and people who have had prior exposure to horses, equine tetanus vaccines or a general allergic
history may experience anaphylaxis which is an extreme sensitivity to an injected antigen (being the antivenom). This is
not common, however.