Clinical features therapy and epidemiology of tiger snake bite in dogs and cats

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Abstract
Snake bite was diagnosed in 125 dogs and 115 cats over 10 yr. Young sporting dogs and young cats were mainly affected. More dogs (48%) were seen in contact with tiger snakes than cats (7%). Dogs (104, 84%) and cats 89 (76%) were bitten in the warmer months of the year (Oct.-March). As the incidence rose in Sept./Oct., dogs were bitten on days when the temperature was near .apprx. .gtoreq. 20.degree. C. The commonest signs were dilated pupils and absences of pupillary light reflex. Dyspnea, hypothermia, hindleg ataxia and glycosuria were common features in cats. Vomiting, tachypnea, hyperthermia and complete flaccid paralysis were often seen in dogs. The overall recovery rate after administering antivenin was 90% for cats and 83% for dogs. Death from anaphylaxis as a result of given antivenin occurred in 3 cats and 1 dog. Dogs treated soon after being bitten recovered more rapidly. There was no correlation between the bite-to-treatment period and the treatment-to-recovery period for cats.

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