Rattlesnake activity could increase this year as they flock to limited water resources following small rodents that are congregating in those areas due to the drought, said Chris Healy, public information officer for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). The number of rattlesnakes is not growing, he added.
He urged people to use caution when out hiking, especially near water or even grassy lawns at the edge of town that are being watered.
"Most people get bitten in the leg because they are walking in the wrong place and are not paying attention to noises in their environment," Battle Mountain General Hospital CEO Phil Hanna said.
According to Hanna, anti-venom is made from collecting venom from the snakes and processing the venom so that it will counteract the effects of a poisonous snake bite when injected into a snake bite victim.
As for four-legged buddies, that can be a whole other issue. Curious dogs often get bit a lot more often than people, Healy said.
Rattlesnake classes are very successful in training dogs to stay away from the venomous creatures, he added.
GetRattled - Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for Dogs is being held June 21 in Elko at the 5th Street Park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and at 1085 Fairgrounds Rd. in Winnemucca from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. People can register by calling (775) 234-884. More information can be found at www.getrattled.org. Fees are $75 for the first class and $50 for reinforcement classes. Proceeds benefit Humboldt County 4-H.
The class uses live rattlesnakes in a natural setting to teach dogs to avoid the sight, sound and smell of rattlesnakes. The dogs will be handled by experienced dog trainers and a licensed snake handler will provide course safety.
Dr. Alan Cuthbertson, of the Elko Veterinary Clinic, sees around two to three rattlesnake bites a year in dogs. He treats them with IV fluids, anti-venom, antibiotics, antihistamines and sometimes steroids. He often opens up and removes the unhealthy tissue, he said. He sees a 10 to 15 percent fatality rate.
Dr. Rolfe Schwartz, of the Keystone Veterinary Clinic in Winnemucca, said he also sees two to three rattlesnake bites a year in dogs. He treats them with fluid and antibiotics.
The Zimmerman Veterinary Clinic usually sees less than five rattlesnake bites each year in dogs and cats, said veterinarians Ross Zimmerman and Bonnie Dory.
They said one out of five dogs could die but it depends on where the animal is bit and how much venom the snake injects. There is a far greater risk of death if the pet is bitten in the face than in a leg. Rattlesnake bites for cats are almost always fatal, Zimmerman and Dory said. The animal needs to be taken to the vet immediately.
Schwartz advises owners to keep their dogs calm if they get bit and to put ice on the affected area. Keep it clean, he added.
Cuthbertson recommends the owners carry their pets from the area if they are out hiking. The owner can soak the wound if there is water or a stream nearby. Giving the pet Benadryl can help and the person should get his or her dog to the vet as soon as possible.
He said the rattlesnake vaccine, which is only available for dogs, is very effective and buys the owner time to get to the vet. It is given in one shot and then a second booster shot and lasts for a year.
Zimmerman and Dory agreed that the vaccine is effective in allowing time for the dog to get treated. They recommended that all owners who spend time in the wilderness with their dogs get them vaccinated.
[[In-content Ad]]Editor's note: In Tuesday's edition of the Sun, people were warned about increasing rattlesnake activity and what to do if one is encountered in the wild. Today's edition features tips on keeping your pets safe.
