Snake Bite Side-Effects
This is in response to a question I received after talking about the snakebite vaccine.
“What are the side-effects of getting bit by a snake?”
It depends on the snake. Even the snakes without venom can leave a nasty wound. The teeth can puncture deep into the skin, carrying with them a medley of bacteria. This may leave just a sore spot or it can turn into an abscess. Abscesses usually require medical attention and oral medications to control pain, inflammation, and infection.
The real trouble happens with the venomous snakes because the venom injected not only does local damage (at the site of the bite) but also systemic damage (throughout the whole body). The local injury can be pain, swelling, redness, and/or necrosis (dying) of the skin at the site and beyond. The systemic damage can be pain, fever, weakness, collapse, clotting disorders, and death from shock.
--Dr. Olson
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Dr. Olson practices small animal medicine in Denver, CO and is a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
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