Gilbert's frantic owner gets aid

Gilbert, pictured with Dr Maya Robinson, left, and Colby Ryan at the Alma Street Veterinary Hospital after he received treatment for a snakebite.

Sharyn Oneill

WENDY Ryan says seeing the effect of snakebite on her Jack Russell was a “frightening experience” she doesn’t want to repeat.

On Tuesday Mrs Ryan returned to her home on Baden Powell Street, Rockhampton, and noticed her nine-year-old dog Gilbert did not come to her when she called to him.

She said he was “frantic”, walking around in circles, and ignoring her family.

She called the Alma Street Veterinary Hospital and was told to check the backyard for ticks and toads which may have caused the behaviour, but “all of a sudden” Gilbert collapsed.

Mrs Ryan said “panic set in” and she rushed him to the hospital.

At the veterinary hospital he was kept overnight for observation

Dr Maya Robinson said she saw bruising on his thighs and when she tried to place a catheter on him, she noticed the blood did not clot, which was a snakebite symptom.

Dr Robinson called Mrs Ryan to tell her it was a snakebite and Mrs Ryan asked her to treat Gilbert with anti-venom.

Mrs Ryan said her home was free of flooding and apart from a pile of wood there was nothing to warrant a snake entering the yard.

But she said it was important people were aware that snakes were coming out even to places that had not been flooded.

IF YOUR PET IS BITTEN

If you suspect your dog or cat is bitten by a snake seek veterinary attention even if your dog appears normal.

If your dog or cat collapses soon after fighting with a snake it has likely received a lethal dose of venom and will likely die without antivenom treatment.

Early treatment with antivenom has far better rates of success than later treatment when the pet is showings signs of poisoning.

If your dog has killed the snake bring it to the vet as this will help them to choose the right snake antivenom.