adder bite

[lankeela]

Not a question but a warning - a friends dog has been bitten by an adder today in Thetford Forest. He started limping and within an hour his leg was really swollen and he is on a drip at the vets. Beware if walking in sandy or grassy heathland - they are sleepy at this time of year and although most recover they do need vet treatment right away.

[B00]

Awww the poor thing, he going to be ok?

[wolf63]

we are lucky in this country that we only have the one poisonous snake. My dad told me that the venom could kill a dog or child, and dads are always right!

[TopCat1]

Where are you from Lankeela? I don't think we have any poisionous snakes in Britain.

[TopCat1]

Sorry I take that back, just did a google search. But in my defence, Im from and live in Northern Ireland and there are no poisionous snakes here.

[lankeela]

Thetford Forest is in Norfolk, and there are adders all over Great Britain. They are our only poisonous snake. They usually live in sandy areas or grassy heathland.

[lankeela]

He is still in the vets and may have to stay another night. They have managed to get his heart rate down, but the leg is still very swollen and they are worried about it becoming necrotic (going rotten). As he is only just two and normally fit and healthy he has a good chance of a full recovery.

Please keep your fingers crossed.

[Thunderbird+]

My thoughts go out to the dog.
Another thing to watch out for in that neck of the woods and similar places, is ticks especially deer ticks which can carry Lymes disease. Be especially aware if any forestry work has been done in the area!
All the Best T bird+

[southerngirl]

Adders are also found in The New Forest, usually in the heathland/gorse areas, so be careful there too. As mentioned above, ticks are a ferreting nuisance too - not just for animals. I had a tick on my arm and had to have it removed with a hypodermic syringe - not the nicest way to pass the time, I can tell you. Lyme disease is nasty to get and takes forever to get over, so best to wear long sleeves and long trousers, even in this weather, if you are going through long grass, ferns etc.

[lankeela]

He is now home, but not out of the woods yet (forgive the pun). They have to wait and see how the leg heals and whether or not the snake bite has caused any permanent damage.