Snake bites in Horses

once warm weather started there is increases chances of horses to be bitten by snakes.The most dangerous snakes to a horse is rattle snakes.
Usually horses got bitten on the nose, head or neck.
The major venomous snakes in United States are pit vipers.

• Rattle snakes
• Water moccasins
• copper heads

Most venom contains neurotoxins and haemotoxins.

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling at the bite site
• Swelling at the bite area
• Tremors
• Paralysis
• Shock
• Collapse
• Depressed
• weak
• Death
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive salivation

What is the actions have to be taken?

• Call the veterinarian immediately
• Stay calm so that horse should not fear.
• Do not move the horse because the movement increases the absorption of venom's quickly.
• Tourniquet can be applied above the bite area.
• Avoid cutting the snake bite wounds
• Avoid applying ice

Treatment

• Fluid therapy can be given.
• Antibiotics can be given to control secondary bacterial infections.
• Corticosteroids can be given to reduce muscle damage.
• NSAIDS can be given to reduce pain and swelling.
• Antivenin can be given to neutralize the venom.