Dog Community

Buddy is having a BAD week

Posted : 7/17/2008 8:06:13 AM

First we have abcessed anal glands that are being treated. Now, would you believe.......

He was bitten multiple times by a copperhead last night. Heidi was bitten once. She was supposed to have her spaying done today...but I've postponed that to the 28th.

I took the dogs out for one last "business" trip; and admittedly it was dark and I should have taken them out before nightfall. Buddy did his business, but Heidi hadn't done hers yet...so we were walking around the property (up by the house...not far). They ran across a huge copperhead (relatively huge...these snakes are not that big). Heidi got it first on the lip; then big brother Buddy saw it and took over.

When it comes to snakes, I just cannot call him off easily. I was able to get Heidi to come to me and I put her behind the gate. Then, while I was doing that...Buddy is prancing around with that #$%^ snake hanging out of his mouth. After I had Heidi protected, I got my shovel and finally got Buddy to drop it and finished it off.

After all that, we went back in the house and I immediately gave them both the Benedryl. He was bitten multiple times on his muzzle and once next to the left eye. I cleaned him all up and watched them 2 hours before feeling comfortable going to bed. Its the breathing I was worried about. If they get bitten on the tongue or the throat, the inevitable swelling could hinder their breathing. His eye worried me too, as it was the first to swell. I had ice in my hand and tried to place it on the area...but he didn't like that. So, I iced my hand (continuously) and used it as a compress on the area. He tolerated that.

This morning I awoke to a swollen Buddy face, but he is ok. Breathing is fine; he ate a bunch of chipped ice and is drinking. I gave them both another dose of Benedryl and they are resting now.

Good grief!

BCMixs

Posted : 7/17/2008 9:26:35 AM

Awwww Buddy! You need a nice long vacation guy!!! I'm glad to hear they are both doing well without any complications. Geez, I'd have been rushing to the e-vet! I didn't know dogs could tolerate multiple bites like that! Poor pups! I'm glad you weren't hurt!

rwbeagles

Posted : 7/17/2008 9:31:39 AM

BCMixs
I didn't know dogs could tolerate multiple bites like that

actually the more a snake bites the less likely there is actually venom in the bite. Many "defensive" bites are just show. The killling or prey bite always will contain copious amounts. But if the snake struck once with venom following bites would have less or even, none. That's my understanding tho...could be off.

Glad your two snake charmers are okay!

calliecritturs

Posted : 7/17/2008 9:59:47 AM

Snake bites scare me worse than anything. There aren't many in FL that are super poisonous, but the ones that are (like coral snakes) are unbelievably deadly. There were rattlers up near where I'm from in NY -- it's not a thing you can get away from easily no matter what part of the country you are in, but ewww -- Texas excels at snakes way too much!

CoBuHe

Posted : 7/17/2008 10:21:50 AM

Because we live on acreage and because Buddy has always had such a high prey drive, we can always count on snake bites during the Spring and Summer. I always have Benedryl on hand (he gets 4 25MG tablets). We've been through this so many times, I try not to get too scared...but like I said before if they get bitten on the tongue, the throat or the chest...its time for the emergency vet.

DH was all ready to make the trip last night...he was dressed so fast, I couldn't believe it. But, I said lets wait and see what develops. They are ok now. They have both eaten well, they are drinking and Heidi is raisin he!!.

Here are some pics from this morning...poor Buddy:

This one shows his left lip is bigger and you might be able to see the side of his left eye swollen:

Here's a side view...see the big lump on under his chin? Its about ths size of a baseball. Breathing is OK

This one is a better view of his whole left side. He looks like he is also getting tired of me pointing that flashy box at him:

They will be all right...I'm working from home today to monitor them too.

VanMorrison

Posted : 7/17/2008 10:34:09 AM

Poor Buddy! He really has that pathetic, stop taking pics of me, look down.

I'm glad he is doing better this morning, give him some ear scritches for me.

the_gopher

Posted : 7/17/2008 10:38:58 AM

Oh gosh that last picture of Buddy just broke my heart! Feel better Buddy!

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 7/17/2008 12:00:24 PM

Aww poor Buddy. He looks so pathetic. Give him some luvins from me.

cakana

Posted : 7/17/2008 12:05:55 PM

Awww...poor Buddy looks so sad. I'm glad everyone's okay, but man, that would've scared the heck out of me.

I remember living in Texas for a very short time and we were at Lake Texoma (sp?) and there was a poster of all the different types of snakes and then it showed which of those were found in the area and all but a few could be found there Tongue Tied

kpwlee

Posted : 7/17/2008 12:26:56 PM

OUCH Buddy! Man he looks uncomfortable ( last pic he looks like a black Ladybird (dog from King of the Hill) sorry if that is inappropriate humor)

We've been snakebite free so far but he can't resist them so I just keep hoping the 'bad' ones stay away

Very good to know that it isn't an emergency vet visit in all cases.

Buddy you'll be hunting moles before you know it!

heal fast big guy

Jewlieee

Posted : 7/17/2008 12:28:34 PM

Sheesh! What an ordeal. Glad everyone is ok

BTmomma

Posted : 7/17/2008 12:57:37 PM

poooorrr buddy!!!!!!!! lots of kisses and love from Bailey!!! get better buddy!

CoBuHe

Posted : 7/18/2008 5:53:21 AM

Buddy is 99% back to normal wrt the snake bites. The swelling is virtually gone now. He picked up a toy this morning too to show me he is feeling better. He is so sweet.

His bottom end is looking much better too...although we will still have the anal gland issues to deal with soon. But, at least it looks and has to feel much better.

Yes

Marklf

Posted : 7/18/2008 9:02:10 AM

Glad to hear that Buddy is doing better. Thank you for posting about using benadryl. Gimli, my mini schnauzer pup, had his first encounter with a snake two weeks ago and it was a very good sized cotton mouth. Fortunately he did not get bit and he showed a healthy respect for the snake by staying clear of it and just barking instead of his normal "attack first" mentality. Due to his small size I think any venomous snake bites will require a fast trip to the vet but now I may think about giving him benadryl right away.

Mark

CoBuHe

Posted : 7/18/2008 9:15:02 AM

Whoa Nellie Mark!!!

Cotton Mouth snakes (aka Water Mocassins) are nasty, aggressive and much much more poisonous than copperheads. If you or your dogs get bitten by one of the snakes...immediately go to the hospital (or e-vet). Benedryl isn't enough for one of these bad boys.

They are a lot harder to kill too. Some kind of gun really is best to kill a Cotton Mouth. A shovel can do the job...but its a lot harder...those snakes are much bigger and thicker skinned than a copperhead.