Snake bite?

[Tillymouse]

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone has any experience of this.

When I got to the yard this morning I found my TB, Donald, with a very swollen muzzle. His lips looked like they had been inflated with an air pump bless him. He wasn't upset at all but a little reluctant for me to open his mouth to investigate. I gently carried on looking and found two small red marks about a cenitmetre apart on his bottom lip. I immediately thought it could be a snake bite. He is out at night and thought he probably came across one whilst grazing.
I thought I should get the vet but on further investigation I found that Donald was happy to eat and drink so I gave him two Danilon to make him more comfy. I could do without calling the vet on a Sunday but of course if he needs medication then course I will.

Does anyone have any advice? Should I be calling vet?

Many thanks

Tash and Donald

 

[Alec Swan]

Tillymouse,

the only venomous snake in this country is the adder. Snakes being cold blooded creatures, only tend to be out and about when the ambient temperature is sufficient to keep them from slipping into torpor. I once lived, and worked in an adder infested area, and it was very rare to see them before 0900 or after 1600 hrs, regardless of how warm it was.

If you turn your horse out at night, and he's in during the day, then if you can be reasonably precise about the specific times, then that would help. I would think it highly unlikely that he's been bitten by a snake. Having said that, your description of the wound would lead towards just that, an adder. Don't know.

I've never been bitten by a snake, and never want to, but those humans and dogs which I have heard of, but only seen twice, have always had an immediate reaction. If he was in his box when you found him, then I would be surprised if you hadn't noticed it the day before when you brought him in.

You posted at 11.42, so if he was out when you noticed him, then probably yes. I would think that if he seems OK, then that's because he is. How does he seem now?

Alec.

 

[Tillymouse]

Hi, thanks for your reply.

Yes Donald was out last night and I found him like it this morn. I did actually ring my vet and she said it was a good chance it was a snake bite because of the two marks I had found and his symptons. She said not to worry, giving Danilon was the best thing and if it got worse she would give him a steroid jab.
When I went to the yard tonight Donald was back to normal, no rubber lips in sight!

Thanks for your reply

Tash and Donald x