A hidden danger is sending San Antonio pets to the vet—up to 8 emergency cases reported in a single week

The vet emphasizes that early administration of antivenom greatly improves the chances of recovery for affected pets.

PUBLISHED 1 DAY AGO

Veterinary surgeons operating on a dog at a clinic (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | andresr)

As temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase in San Antonio, Texas, local veterinarians are alarmed by an increase in pet-related medical emergencies . Owners are being cautioned about hidden dangers in the area, which put their furry companions at risk. The local clinic has reportedly witnessed up to eight urgent cases in a week at its peak, many involving serious health complications.

A dog sniffing a snake (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Fabio Volpe)

If you haven't guessed it already, San Antonio pets are being hospitalized due to snake bites. Explaning the urgency, Dr. Hindmarsh from MissionVet Specialty & Emergency, said his clinic is seeing multiple cases. "In the San Antonio area, we can see a wide variety of venomous snakes, including copperheads, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and coral snakes, with rattlesnakes being the most commonly encountered," says Dr. Hindmarsh. Snake bites in pets can cause a range of symptoms, including swelling, bleeding, pain, weakness, vomiting, minor seizures, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, like those involving coral snakes, pets may experience paralysis leading to respiratory failure. Dr. Hindmarsh warns that snake venom affects multiple body systems, from blood clotting to the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Boiga dendrophila snake in the grass, ready to strike, Indonesia (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | anisah_priyadi)

A statistical report by the Texas Health and Human Services shared the recurring problem of snakebites. It talks about how every year, around 7,000 people in the US are bitten by venomous snakes, but thankfully, only a small number of these bites are fatal. In fact, just 0.2% of venomous snake bites result in death, which is about 1 in every 500 bites. In Texas, where snake encounters are common, an average of 1 to 2 people die each year from venomous snake bites.

Dr. Hindmarsh emphasizes that early administration of antivenom greatly improves the chances of recovery for affected pets. “These pets require immediate veterinary attention at a hospital that stocks antivenom. The sooner these pets receive antivenom, the better the outcome,” he explains. Dr. Hindmarsh advises pet owners to remain calm and assess the severity of the bite. "If your pet is envenomated, remain calm and avoid the temptation to offer any over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs (or other OTC pain medications) or Benadryl," he advises.

A pet dog with a veterinarian. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Nicky Lloyd)

"While well-intentioned, some OTC medications can actually worsen the outcome and prognosis in snakebite patients, or others may not be beneficial at all." According to Veterinary Specialists of The Rockies, if you see the bite wound, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove the. Keep the wound below the heart and keep your pet as still as possible to prevent the venom from spreading. If your pet is not breathing, call the veterinary clinic for CPR instructions. Stay calm, as pets can sense panic, which may increase the spread of venom.

The treatment for snakebites involves several steps to ensure the pet’s safety. Dr. Hindmarsh recommends diagnostic blood tests to check for venom in the bloodstream, along with clotting profiles and pain management. Pets will also need intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and, most importantly, antivenom to neutralize the venom. While it is tempting to try home remedies, Dr. Hindmarsh and other experts advise against it, as they can be dangerous or ineffective.