The lush bushveld of the Lowveld in Mpumalanga combined with its warm, humid climate make this region the ideal habitat for snakes. Finding these slithery creatures in home gardens in the area is standard and although this may make us feel that we truly are close to the wonders of nature, it unfortunately also poses a threat to our domestic animals, especially dogs.
The danger to our pets when it comes to snakes isn’t only related to snake bites. Throughout the year local veterinarians are inundated with emergency calls and visits from pet owners whose furry family members have been spat in the eye by the Mozambique Spitting Cobra.
These species of snakes can eject their venom up to about two meters and remarkably enough know exactly how to aim for the eyes. In fact, there is evidence that if a spitting snake spits at you while you are moving from side to side, it will predictively spit ahead of you so that the venom gets into your eyes at the right time. Although this is an amazing fact of nature, it isn’t so great if you are a nosy and determined dog that’s determined to take on these fearless reptiles.
Venom in the eyes is extremely painful. In fact, some have related the feeling to that of rubbing the eyes with a mixture of sand and petrol. So, when your dog suffers this fate it’s essential that you treat it immediately, and correctly. As soon as it happens, or you realise it has happened, it is vital that you follow the three-step plan:
- Step 1 – Flush the animal’s eye with clean water. Rinse the eye completely and repeat 5 minutes later. This needs to be done even if there is no evidence of damage to the eye (watery or closed eye).
- Step 2 – Take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. If it is during office hours, it is advisable to take the animal to your local vet immediately. If the incident happens after hours follow Step 1 and call your vet for advice.
- Step 3 – On examination, the vet will examine the eye. They use a special dye call fluorescein to stain the cornea. This stain helps to determine the damage to the cornea that might be invisible to the naked eye. Specific treatment will be implemented based on the severity and extent of corneal damage. Please be aware, pets lose their eyesight if not treated with the right medication. One of the many reasons why a vet can’t dispense medication over the counter for these injuries.
Do you live in a highly-populated snake area? Or would you like to be prepared in case your pet does suffer the fate of getting spat in the eye? We have a special Kryon Eye Wash bottle that can be bought at our clinic or online – this makes flushing the eye a lot easier and doesn’t burn the eye at all!
Call us at 013 744 1836 or 082 441 7084 after hours if you have any questions!