Bites and Stings: What Should You Know Walking through the pastures or barns in the summertime can be relaxing, but when you come head-to-head with one of nature’s slithering snakes or creepy crawlers your heart may start pumping a little quicker. Thinking quickly could mean the difference between a trip to the emergency room and a trip to the recliner. But what happens when your goat’s curiosity gets the best of them? A trip to the veterinarian can save the life of your animal. According to Paul Daniel, DVM at Crossroads Vet Clinic in Victoria, Tx, early signs of snake bites can be detected if producers are quick to inspect animals that are acting lethargic or “off.” “Many times there is swelling or puncture wounds around a snake bite,” said Daniel. “But sometimes an animal may simply act lethargic or may not be eating or foraging with the rest of the herd.” The biggest concern with most snake bites in animals is swelling. However, the skin around a bite may turn colors and begin to slough off. “If the animals was bitten in the face or nose, there is concern about the airways closing up,” he said. “During these emergencies, it is important to act quickly to take the appropriate course of action.” There are anti-venoms available for some types of snakes. Daniel said that administration of the anti-venom has been successful in horse and dogs. It is important that you are able to identify the type of snake so that your local veterinarian can proceed accordingly.
Daniel said that most animals with snake bites are successfully treated with antibiotics and a course of either steriodial or non-steriodial drugs. As for what NOT to do, Daniel said. “Don’t cut it open and try to suck out the poison.” Daniel went on to say that wraps and turnicates only exacerbate the problem and should be avoided. The best thing, he said, is to take the animal to your local vet as quickly as the problem is identified so you can put together a plan. Snake bites can progress rapidly, Daniel said. “Swelling occurs within the first hour and continues until about the 12th hour. After 24 hours, the swelling begins to subside.” Summertime is also the time when wasps, bees, spiders, ants, scorpions and many other poisonous critters are looking for food and water. Keeping pens free of ant beds, and wasp/bee nests can be an important part of your routine. There are a number of insecticides than can be used on animals and in the your goat kidding / show pens. Permethrin and Cyfluthrin are just two of the active ingredients in some products that can be used according to the instructions to eliminate pests. While these may be bothersome to your animals, they won’t likely cause a trip of the vet. However, it is important that young kids are not born in the way of these pests. More importantly, may be your own safety when it comes to these creatures.
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