| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| meggy2 |
Posted - Apr 23 2012 : 7:53:24 PM
We live about 25 miles from town. With a hot summer coming on, I would like to know,besides dialing 911 and not running, what should one do for a rattlesnake bite until medical help arrives? |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| KathleenL |
Posted - Apr 26 2012 : 08:25:24 AM
On page 4 of this pdf on homeopathy, lachesis, along with a couple of others, is listed as a remedy. http://www.myanimalhomeopath.com/homeopathy_for_emergencies.pdf I've used a homeopathic rememdy for a wasp sting before and had good results. I fortunately have no experience with snakebites, although I live in an area with rattlesnakes. The time I encountered one that was ready to strike I backed away very slowly. After a bit the snake relaxed and crawled away.
Kathy |
| rksmith |
Posted - Apr 25 2012 : 5:16:32 PM
Not a problem. Another piece of info--baby rattlesnakes have a more neurotoxic venom than hemotoxic (what the adults have). The neurotoxic venoms are quicker acting and hit your central nervous system while the hemotoxins hit your muscles/blood vessels. I have also read studies saying that as prey evolve and the larger rattlers are being killed off by people, these snakes are developing a more hybrid venom that is a combination of neuro and hemotoxins. I find this super fascinating!!! At any rate, watch where you step!!
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
| meggy2 |
Posted - Apr 24 2012 : 5:11:38 PM
Rachel
Thanks for all the good info. I had never heard of most of these before. We live in eastern Colorado and quite a few people around here have encountered small rattlesnakes in their yard and one in their garage. Your info makes me feel a little more prepared.
Barb |
| rksmith |
Posted - Apr 24 2012 : 06:12:58 AM
I would invest in a snake bite kit, they're not very expensive and small enough to keep in your pocket. I think some have tourniquets, some have suctions pieces. I've read a few studies on both methods and while the jury is out on just how effective they are, I would think it wouldn't hurt to have on hand. Also from what I've read, large doses of vitamin C will bind to any toxins (as in a dose of at least 2500 mg every few minutes at first then progress to every few hours), and activated charcoal (topically and internally), perhaps an antihistamine might not hurt either. From experience of using plantain on a spider bite, I'd say to use that as well topically. Remain calm, keep the heart rate and breathing slow, keep the bitten area below the level of the heart.
Also keep in mind that there is a world wide shortage on antivenin, so even if you make it to the hospital there isn't a whole lot they will be able to do for you...mostly symptom control which can be lifesaving in the event of respiratory/cardiac distress. It is also important to know what species of snakes are in your area (there are polyvalent antivenins which cover multiple species as well as monovalent which cover specific species) and if you do get bitten know what bit you.
From several ER studies and herp studies, not all vemonous snake bites are "wet" some are actually "dry" bites, meaning that the snake did not inject venom when it bit you. While it is certainly a serious matter, it is not a 100% guaranteed death sentence either if you do get bitten. Most snakes (but not all) will retreat if given the chance, and most do not bite first and ask later. It takes time for a snake to build up it's venom stores for defense and catching prey so they usually want to make any bite count (which is one idea behind the dry bite--not wasting venom) and don't bite un-necessarily (however it still happens). Most snake bites happen with people who are harassing the snake (young, drunk males are the most commonly bitten and usually in the face--trying to kiss the snake). If you do come across a snake, be very still and back away super slowly...to a snake quick movement can mean a prey item or danger. If you are out walking (or like me picking blackberries) it can be helpful to carry a long walking stick--I use it to rattle around in the brambles and let any critters hiding in there know I'm here and (theoretically) give them a chance to scram before I start picking and sticking my hands in close quarters (so far, no bites). If you're worried about snakes on your property, be sure to keep areas cleaned up where snakes may like to hang out--this would be anywhere that prey items (mice, rats, rabbits, etc) would be found. Clear brush piles, keep an eye out on stacked wood or tin, etc. as these are areas snakes like to sit and wait for something to eat.
On a side note (something that interests me anyway) venoms are protein compounds. There are quite a few enzyme products available that are supposed to help break down proteins, so I don't know if that would be of any use for a snake bite or not (I've never had the need to try it) and I don't know anyone who has. Just a thought.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
| StrawHouseRanch |
Posted - Apr 24 2012 : 05:56:24 AM
Good question!!!
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
"Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better."--Albert Einstein
"A meal of bread, cheese and beer constitutes the perfect food." --Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrawHouseDesigns |
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