Snake-Bite Poisoning

                     --------------------

                      General Information



Poisonous snakes cause serious illness or death in many animals

each year.  The poison (venom) mainly affects the vascular and/or

nervous system.  Most snake bites in the United States are due to

rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads and coral snakes.



Signs of snake-bite poisoning vary according to the size and

species of snake, amount of venom injected, size and general

health of the victim, and the location of the bite.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Snake bites are extremely serious, and most treatment takes

    place in the hospital.  Along with specific treatment for

    venom, your pet will also be treated for shock and infection.



2.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows:





3.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal activity.



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





4.  Special instructions:





                   Emergency Field Treatment



If your pet is bitten again, perform the following emergency

measures:



1.  Identify the type of snake, if possible.  Do not risk being

    bitten.



2.  Keep your pet as quiet as possible with soothing talk and

    petting.  Excitement and exertion speed the distribution of

    poison.  Carry the animal to a place of safety.



3.  If the bite is on a leg, immobilize the leg and carry the

    pet to your car.  If you are more than 2 hours from the

    nearest veterinarian, apply a tourniquet above the bite

    wound, between the wound and the body.  It can be left in

    place for up to 2 hours.



4.  Immediately take the animal to the nearest veterinarian.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet is reluctant to eat or acts depressed.



    * Your pet's bite wound becomes swollen, red or hot, or oozes

    pus or fluid.



    * Your pet develops any new signs.