Snake Bite Help

[kevin@monkeyanvil.com]

My cat was bitten by a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on her leg last Friday early in the morning. Within an hour we were at the vet and they started treatment. No antivenom was given since more than 4 hours was thought to have passed since the intial bite, just IV fliuds and stuff. She is home now and we have a bundle of meds we are giving her.

Here is my question:

Snake venom is enzymatic, meaning it digests the tissue, thereby killing it and making it "necrotic." The vet thought she'd have to surgically remove the necrotic tissue on my cats leg tomarrow. I am apprehensive of this procedure as it would open up a seriously huge area on her leg. Doesn't necrotic tissue slough away after time anyway, and if watched for infection would her own immune system be better equipped to handle it than a surgery?

Anyone help? Please respond to my email at home.

kevin@monkeyanvil.com

[Traci]

Kevin, snake bites require frequent debriding, in other words, almost like skin grafting. The necrotic tissue needs to be removed, cleaned, and sutured if the edges can be brought together (stretched). You may be faced with several procedures, but it's necessary, because necrosis can affect the blood stream and cause deep-seated infection elsewhere in the body.

Be prepared for several debridements, depending on the extent of necrosis and the skin's edges ability to granulate new tissue. This is an extensive treatment, but it's paramount that you comply with your vet's recommendations. You have no way of monitoring infection at home, it's not just the site of the bite wound, it's internal sepsis you have to be concerned about. Shock, fever, and a variety of other symptoms can lead to sepsis. Your vet is taking the correct approach, trust his capabilities and comply with his instructions. It will get worse before it gets better, but as long as you get kitty in for her required debridements, she has an excellent chance at recovery.

[davet]

absolute essential, regardless of the appearance or trauma involved...had a guy working for me years ago who had goot snake bite and the debribment was done with maggots especially grown for this type situation..they applied the maggots and covered it with a cup and replaced them daily....worked fine except left a huge gross looking scar...but tough it up and let them debrib or sever gangrenous like infection can occur...