Bella’s Slippery Situation

Bella (left) and sister GeorgieBella is truly one lucky dog! One afternoon, her owner's saw Bella playing with a deadly Brown Snake. Unfortunately Bella managed to get bitten by the snake. Bella's owners did the right thing and brought her to the hospital immediately for treatment.

Dr Nina Bray examined Bella who was suffering from the effects of snake bite toxicity. She had pale gums, a slow heartbeat, was breathing rapidly and was having trouble standing. If dogs are not treated immediately for snake bite, it can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes. 

Bella stayed in the Hospital for 3 days. In the first 4 hours she received 3 doses of Brown Snake Antivenom. It is not uncommon for some dogs suffering from the effects of snakebite to receive 5 or 6 doses of antivenom! Over her hospital stay, Bella was monitored very closely by the nursing staff to ensure that all her vital signs were stable. She also received oxygen therapy, blood pressure monitoring, intravenous fluids, blood tests and many medications to help to support her body whilst she recovered. Bella has made a full recovery and returned home to be greeted by her best friend Georgie the Kelpie.

Fortunately for Bella her owners acted quickly and Bella was able to make a full recovery from her ordeal. Each year the snake population is moving closer to the city centre of Adelaide. And each year the amount of snake bite cases we see at the hospital is increasing. Cats and dogs are naturally inquisitive and if you are at all suspicious that your beloved pet may have been bitten by a snake, contact the hospital immediately.