More about Rattlesnakes

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Dogs encounter snakes during play or work in the snake’s natural habitat. Most bites to dogs occur on the face or extremities. These bites can be very expensive to treat if the dog survives.  The rattlesnake bite is generally “hemotoxic” which means that it exerts its toxin by disrupting the integrity of the blood vessels. The swelling is often dramatic with up to 1/3 of the total blood circulation being lost into the tissues in a matter of hours.  The toxin further disrupts normal blood clotting mechanisms leading to uncontrolled bleeding.  This kind of blood loss induces shock and finally death. Facial bites are often more lethal as the swelling may occlude the throat or impair ability to breathe.  An exception would be the Mojave rattlesnake whose venom is “neurotoxic.”  The bite of this snake causes rapid paralysis.  This includes paralysis of the respiratory muscles and suffocation.

Here in Southern California snake encounters are relatively common.  Ventura County Fire Department officials estimate they respond to a few hundred snake calls each year.  Many areas are rattlesnake habitat, and authorities have found them nearly everywhere, from bushy areas and backyards to garages and inside homes.