Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are pit vipers and have retractable fangs. They are considered hematoxic and several subpopulations have lethal neurotoxins. The venom contains enzymes and nonenzymatic polypeptides. These cause tissue injury and interfere with the coagulation cascade causing major coagulation defects. The nonenzymatic polypeptides affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Severe hypotension results from pooling of blood within the spleen and lungs, and severe edema of the limbs.

Clinical signs may be delayed up to 8 hours. They usually include pain, ecchymosis and petechiations, shock, hypotension, tachycardia, and shallow respirations. Depression, lethargy, nausea, and excessive salivation. Bruising and necrosis of the tissues with sloughing at the bite sight. Infection is usually serious and requires treatment. Gas forming bacteria in dead tissue. Activity increases the absorption of the venom. They speak of dry bites, but eighty-five percent of animals bitten by snakes show signs of invenomnation. . You should stop your dog’s activity and transport to a veterinarian.

Your vet will note Burring of the RBC’s in the first 24 hours. Thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, elevated CPK, and hematuria or myoglobinuria. ACT. PT, and PTT times can be prolonged and Elevated FDP. ECG may indicate ventricular arrhythmias.