Snakebites - Timing is Critical

Know what to look for

Snakes are a common thing to encounter when living in Moree and surrounds. Snakes such as the Eastern Brown and Red-bellied Black snake pose a deadly risk to our pets.

Eastern Brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) are highly venomous and their venom predominantly affects the nervous system as well as the blood’s ability to clot.

The venom of a Red-Bellied Black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) predominantly affects muscles and can cause clotting disorders. Note: the king brown (mulga) is part of the Pseudechis genus with the Black snakes.

Symptoms of a snake bite may appear suddenly, or they can be delayed for several hours. Some signs to look out for include: 

• Sudden weakness or collapse (some pets may collapse, then recover briefly before deteriorating)

• Vomiting

• Trembling/shaking

• Drooling/frothing at the mouth

• Dilated pupils

• Bleeding from the mouth or nose

• Blood in urine

• Paralysis or hindlimb weakness

• Rapid or laboured breathing

• Pale gums

• Seizures or muscle twitching

• Swelling at the bite site (black snakes) Note: bites themselves are way too small to be seen

If you think your pet may have been bitten by a snake, even if symptoms improve, it is critical to seek veterinary care immediately as early intervention greatly improves the changes of survival.