Adder Bite Story

[senua]

Came across this story of a dog apparantly killed by an Adder:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/l...re/4795409.stm

Thought it might be of interest.

[nightshade]

Unfortunately most recorded bites are dogs,they come on the basking snakes so quickly the defensive strike is a reflex. Keep your dog on a lead (I do not think I would appreciate a Rottweiler running loose in a park anyway)

[Wild-Woman]

Yes. I'd echo Nightshades thoughts. An adder would have moved off swiftly into the undergrowth once it felt the vibrations of the dogs approach. In areas that have adders, dogs should be on leads in any case. WW

[darwin]

re. keeping dogs on leads - how would you know Adders were around in the first place.

[Wild-Woman]

Swardy areas with plenty of basking areas, good supply of food and records of adders.
Public parks with nicely trimmed lawns aren't ideal habitat and the continual interruption of people would put them off. Adders like their privacy. ww

[darwin]

Your knowledge is extensive WW, but unfortunately Mr and Mrs Joe Public wouln't know that information

[Wild-Woman]

Most places that have adders have it posted on a board etc at the entrance, usually with a warning. It's up to dog owners then to use their own descretion as to whether it is wise to let a dog off the lead. Areas of special conservation will say keep dogs on leads as there may be ground nesting birds in the vicinity. Some reserves will not let dogs in at certain times of year. ww

[Forestknights]

I am surprised that a large dog like a Rottweiler was killed by an Adder bite. Its unusual for the first strike of an adder to envenomate. The Rottweiler also has a large mass and as long as it recieve prompt treatment I would have expected a fairly good recovery.

Every case is different I suppose. My uncle's GSD was bitten a few years back and was seriously ill for a number of days requiring expensive vet treatment.

Also a colleague of mine was bitten in the thigh. She recovered quite well after the inital swelling had receded. The bite became infected and she had an allergic reaction.

Shame I wasn't working with her at the time I would have liked to got some good photos.

[darwin]

On upland moors, how many entrances would there be, 10,100,1000?

Accidents unfortunately happen, and it would be a perfect world if none did.

I have walked in England, Scotland, Wales with my dogs - in valleys, moors and hills and never encountered any snakes at all during the 8 year period, I suppose I have just been luck I guess.

Regards,

Darwin

[Geoff Simpson]

Adder bites can be very dangerous and not to underestimated - I was photographing an adult female (adder this is ) 3 years ago and carelessly got bitten on the thumb - spent 3 nights in hosptial with drips and needles everywhere. Case Study to feature in BBC Wildlife Magazine in the forthcoming Adder feature.