Does anyone carry antivenin/antivenom with them in their first aid kit. We've recently been training in some areas that have raised a concern about rattlesnake/water moccasin bites and I've thought about trying to carry some kits just in case. Are they available OTC (probably not, but thought I'd ask) or do you think my vet would sell them to me? Haven't done much research yet, obviously, but would like to know before I make an ass of myself asking my vet.

5-0 Joe,

Antivenin is not something you'd carry around with you unfortunatly. It's generally very expensive, has a shelf life and should be kept in a controlled temp environment.

Talk to your vet about the availability of it, and whether they're willing to stock it.

Joe,
You should carry diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in case of snake bite or insect sting. I don't have the dosages (they're different for snake bite vs. insect) here, as I'm at work. But, I can give you that info later, if you're interested.

I ****believe**** (please don't quote me on this until I can verify) it's 4mg/pound for snake, and 2mg/pound for insect, every 4-6 hours.....of course, in the case of snake, you'd also be transporting. I'll double check those dosages when I get home later.

Thanks for the info so far. I just got a call back from my vet with some info (decided to go ahead and make an ass of myself <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ). He said that he would order some for me if I wanted. Dosages would run about 150 per dose and that an 85 pound dog would initially require 2 doses to stabilize and possibly more once I got him in for treatment. Said that the shelflife is one - one and one half years. It comes freezedried and must be reconstituted prior to use. Should be stored in the fridge, but if you take it to the field, putting it in an icebag would preserve it just fine. Time to do a cost benefit analysis. Given the amount of time and $$$'s invested in the dogs we have and the high probablility of snakebites here in Florida, 300 bucks doesn't seem all that bad to me if it could possibly save his life. Plus, he said that if it was getting close to expiration and I still didn;'t use it, he would buy it back from me and use it himself. Good guy. Of course, the vet said that if the dog gets hit in the head or neck region, chances for recovery are virtually nil but an extremity strike is definitely recoverable.

I certainly would like the dosage of benadryl when you get a chance.

OK, here is the info I have on the snakebite/insect sting thing. This is from the notes I took at a K9 First Aid class, which I had to pay for, and you're getting this great info for free! I won't be posting it again.

Insect Stings/Allergic Reactions:

Usually face or paws (also can result from any vaccine or medication)

Symptoms:
Pain, itching, swelling, inflammation
Hives
Vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Shock

Treatment of Stings/Allergic Rxn

Check for shock
If possible, brush stinger off with stiff object (credit card)- may not be possible
Apply paste of baking soda and water
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 1-2mg/lb every 8 hours (make sure there are no other ingredients, i.e. cough suppressants, analgesics, etc.).

Snakebite:

Signs/symptoms

Pain/lethargy
vomiting/diarrhea
excessive salivation
swelling at site of bite
shock
bite wounds may or may not be evident

Treatment:

TRANSPORT!
Identify species of snake if possible
Immobilize K9, keep your dog (and yourself) calm
maintain airway
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 4mg/lb every 4-6 hours until symptoms subside

Thanks L, certainly appreciate free medical advice whenever I can get it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Five-O,

If you are working in snake country get the dogs snake proofed. It will go much further than any treatment.... well the best treatment is prevention <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I am sure someone in your area does it. They charge around $50.00 to do it here.

I'm all for the benedryl as well and have used it on several occassions. My dogs have been bitten several times by copperheads and one time that I am certain of by a water moccassin a few months ago. Head swelled up to a HUGE size but the benedryl brought the swelling down pretty fast. I gave 2 tablets every 4 hours.

Antvenin from what I understand *can be* deadly to dogs. If memory serves me correct a dog can be given 1 dose of the antivenin and be fine..then the next dosage it gets (whenever that may be) it can have an allergic reaction and die from it-or something along those lines. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I'd do loads of research before using it. I'd also look into the snake proofing class as well...although I have yet to do it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Tbm,
I'm really grateful for that feedback. With the exception of a few rattlers here and there, we don't really have venomous snakes here. It's more likely that my dog or I will blunder across a nest of bees or wasps. But, since there are rattlers around, it is something that I do have some concern about, especially since we tend to get into areas that are way off the beaten path.

Sounds like your dog(s) could certainly benefit from some snake proofing!

if the dog gets hit in the head or neck region, chances for recovery are virtually nil but an extremity strike is definitely recoverable.

Are you sure about that? Over here in Miami my neighbor's Newfoundland got bitten in the nose by a pigmy rattler. They caught it immediately and rushed him to the vet. He survived.
I've never seen a rattler but I have seen a couple of mocasins. It would be great having something to take along to the club or at least just to have at home in case the dog gets bitten.
Benedryl seems like a good option.