Potential Emergency Situation: Need to go to vet
  • SYSTEM(S) EFFECTED:
    		•  Multiple
  • CAUSE(S):
    		• Snake bite
  • TREATMENT:
    		• Supportive care

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Bites from coral snakes contain venom that can be fatal to your pet. Luckily, coral snakes are usually shy creatures and bites are uncommon. Their bites make up only 1% of all venomous snake bites reported in the United States. Most bites will occur in the spring or fall. Their geographic range is from Florida north to parts of North Carolina and west to eastern Texas.

Snake bites often happen on the limbs, head, and neck. The closer the bite to the trunk of the body and heart, the more likely it will be fatal.
 
Coral snakes can be differentiated from other snakes by their small size (less than 3 feet in length), small head, black nose, round eyes, and brightly colored red, yellow, and black bands around their body. These snakes bite only to protect themselves, and only inject venom when they feel particularly threatened or frightened. Their fangs are not retractable like pit viper snakes (ie. rattlesnakes) and have a poor method of injecting venom, needing to actually "chew" the venom into its victim. Because of this poor delivery system, as many as 60% of coral snake bites do not result in envenomation.
 
Bites from non-venomous snakes will not show two bleeding puncture wounds indicative of fangs. Non-venomous snakes will leave a horseshoe shaped bite made up of small punctures of similar size. These snakes will also have circular eyes instead of elliptical ones.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

The venom found in these snakes is one of the most toxic venoms found in venomous snakes. It contains a neurotoxin, meaning it is toxic to the brain and causes paralysis throughout the body. Death occurs when the respiratory muscles become paralyzed.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The bite site will have little localized reaction, with less severe redness and inflammation than a bite from a pit viper snake. The bite will likely have two bleeding punture wounds in the skin, indicating fangs. The bite site may range from mildly to extremely painful.
Your pet may not show signs of envenomation immediately after a spider bite. The toxicity of the venom and amount injected can effect the severity and time of onset of your pet’s signs. In some cases, onset of symptoms have been delayed 10 - 18 hours after the bite.
 
Because Coral snake venom contains a neurotoxin, your pet will show signs of decreased motor activity:
  • Weakness
  • Paralysis
  • Muscle spasms
  • Labored breathing due to paralysis of respiratory muscles
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Convulsions
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Drooling
  • Collapse
  • Shock
  • Coma
  • Death due to paralysis of respiratory muscles
Once signs begin to develop, they progress rapidly and become very difficult to reverse.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

The first hours after the bite are crucial to determining your pet’s condition and prognosis. Your veterinarian will likely:

  • Administer IV fluids
  • Provide respiratory support by giving oxygen
  • Provide circulatory support
  • Giving antihistamines
  • Giving a species-specific antivenin as soon as possible, if available
  • Hospitalize and observe your pet for at least 24 hours

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

Please note that this is an emergency situation and you should call your vet ASAP! Do not waste time on first aid if you believe your pet has been bit by a snake. Wasting time is the worst mistake you can make.

CALL YOUR VET!

before you leave or on your way to find out if they have any antivenin in stock. If you get to your veterinarian and they do not have any, they may have to send you to another vet or doctor, elongating the time your pet goes without treatment. Many veterinarians do not keep these drugs in stock due to their high cost and short shelf life.

KEEP YOUR PET QUIET AND IMMOBILE!  

lay your pet down and carry him if possible - this may prevent the spread of venom
 

DO NOT APPLY ICE TO THE BITESITE!   

this will restrict circulation, can damage tissue, and will likely cause more problems

DO NOT APPLY A TOURNIQUET ABOVE THE BITESITE!  

this will restrict circulation and will likely cause more problems
 

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SUCK OR DRAIN THE VENOM FROM THE BITESITE!  

there is no proof that this is ever successful 
 
Identify the snake if possible: remember habitat, coloration, size, presence of fangs, and the shapes of the eyes and head if you can. This will help the veterinarian determine what type of snake it was that bit your pet. DO NOT EVER ATTEMPT TO HANDLE A LIVE SNAKE! Remember that a snake’s fangs are still venomous up to two hours after it dies. Even if you determine that the snake is non-venomous, it is still a good idea to take it to the vet. Your veterinarian will probably prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection of the bite site and maybe a pain medication to reduce the discomfort.

Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff