Veterinarian dispels myths about helping pets with snake bites

Veterinarian Evgeny Tsyplenkov on Monday, May 25, dispelled popular myths about saving pets after snake bites — from the need to photograph a reptile to the contents of a first-aid kit that can save lives when it's a long way to the clinic.

In an interview with Radio 1, the expert noted that the advice to photograph a snake is not always relevant. According to him, this is not necessary in the Moscow region: if it is not a fish with characteristic spots, then we are talking about a viper. However, in regions with several species of venomous snakes, the image is important because the serum is tailored to a specific venom.

Tsyplenkov stressed that the main mistake of the owners is to try to cope on their own or to stall for time. If the animal is bitten, it should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible, where there is an antidote, and specialists will be able to start treatment.

The expert added that in the spring, viper venom is most dangerous, as it accumulates over the winter, and by autumn its aggressiveness decreases.

He also noted that in remote places it is important to have a special first-aid kit with anti-inflammatory, antihistamines and adrenaline, because you need to act immediately, without waiting for the spread of the poison through the body.

Poisonous creatures: Snake bites have been recorded in 10 regions since the beginning of spring.

Their activity is more than usual due to the snowy winter and warm March, biologists said.

Earlier in May, veterinarian Mikhail Zorin warned RIAMO that if a dog eats a leopard slug, it is necessary to contact a veterinary clinic. The parasite infects the lungs and heart, causing a potentially fatal disease, the Newspaper said.Ru». Symptoms do not appear immediately: cough, shortness of breath, neurological disorders, writes Life.ru .

Also in May, dog handler Vladimir Golubev told the Moscow City News agency about first aid to a dog after a bee sting. According to him, first of all, it is important to remove the bee sting: it is better not to pull it out, but to scrape it off in order to reduce the risk of spreading the poison. It is also worth immediately applying cold to reduce swelling, and at the same time reduce pain. Antihistamines will be needed for prevention.

A general practitioner of the highest category, toxicologist and scientific journalist Alexey Vodovozov explained how to act when encountering a viper, and also explained why the usual ideas about first aid are wrong. According to the expert, the first and most dangerous misconception is an attempt to block blood flow with a tourniquet above the bite site.

In turn, veterinarian Anna Soboleva said that a snake bite in a pet can be recognized by its characteristic features: most often dogs get it in the muzzle, lips or front paws, and cats get it in the muzzle area, notes 360.ru . The doctor noted that when bitten, it is important to limit the movement of the animal in order to slow down the spread of the poison, writes RT.