With the summer heating up, snakes, including rattle snakes, water moccasins and copperheads are coming out of hiding and into areas where horses and people are enjoying days in the sun.
A water moccasin - Poisonous and source of EEE in horses
Because of the inquisitive nature of horses, bites usually occur on the muzzle and head of the horse, but bites can also occur on the limbs or other parts of the body.
Venomous snakes in the United States are the pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, water moccasins and copperheads. Pit vipers are named after the heat-detecting holes, or pits, on each side of the head that help the snake locate prey. Pit vipers can be differentiated from other snakes by their triangle-shaped heads, narrowed necks, and tail rattles (rattlesnakes only).
Coral snakes, another type of poisonous snake in the U.S., do not pose much risk to horses because of their small mouth
Although a vaccine is now available for use in horses to help prevent complications of snakebite, efficacy in horses is not yet well documented. Talk with your veterinarian about what is best for your horse, but it's best to prevent snake bites whenever possible.
Because of the inquisitive nature of horses, bites usually occur on the muzzle and head of the horse. But bites can also occur on the limbs or other parts of the body.
An acute onset of swelling and edema at the bite site are often the first clues that a horse has been bitten.
The muzzle and nasal passages may become swollen to the extent that respiration is extremely labored. Death from snakebite is rare in horses, but the horse can be very uncomfortable for quite some time following a snake bite..
The clinical signs associated with snakebites are usually the result of the local effects of the venom. Snake venom is a highly complex mixture and the composition and toxic properties vary among snake species and between individuals within the same species.
Owners who witness a snake bite should consider it a true emergency. Keep the horse quiet and calm, and call the veterinarian or transport the horse as quickly as possible to a referral hospital.
If the horse is found with a swollen muzzle and nasal passages and is struggling to breathe, short pieces of garden hose--about 10-inches long--can be passed into the nasal passages to maintain breathing. This is essential, since horses are obligate nose-breathers, meaning they only breathe through their noses, not through their mouths.
The administration of anti-inflammatory drugs (phenylbutazone or banamine) can help minimize swelling during the early stages
The treatment for a horse that was bitten by a snake depends on the location of the bite and the severity of the clinical signs. Tracheotomy is indicated in horses that develop excessive edema and swelling of the head and external nares (nose) to the point that respiration becomes impaired. Additional treatment includes the administration of tetanus prophylaxis, systemic antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory.
Animals affected with systemic hypotension (decreased or low blood pressure) or who are unable to eat/drink will benefit from intravenous fluid therapy.
The best prevention of snake bites is to avoid areas infested with snakes and be aware of the times snakes are most likely to be on trails and in places your horse may be grazing.