Snake Bite

[johns03272008]

Have only one dog snake bit in all the years I`ve hunted here in the swamps of Ga. Always carry benadryl. Went to my vet yesterday and asked to buy dex. Wouldn`t sell it to me. Give your dog benadryl and bring it in asap. Her answer was we have to give other medicenes along with the dex because, There could be a side effect such as deteriation of meat or muscle,in the shot area.hardening of the meat or muscle , ect, ect.
You guys that use dex,have you ever had or heard of anything like this? I have heard of some big copperheads around here. I have killed a few that were almost 2 feet long and smaller. Snakes are moveing here and just want to be prepared.
Thanks

Most vets that want you to come in and never want to sell anything to carry to the field are all about money!! Just what I seen around here!!

[Tsa la gi]

These gals are all about money with a big $ sign. Have been on the web checking out DEX. Hell I can`t even begin to understand it.

[Bull_357]

Find your self a good ole farm vet or the rare sporting dog vets that understand hunting dogs. Cuts way down on the cost and u get what u need done.

[Mo. Beagler 5000]

These gals are all about money with a big $ sign. Have been on the web checking out DEX. Hell I can`t even begin to understand it.

Have only one dog snake bit in all the years I`ve hunted here in the swamps of Ga. Always carry benadryl. Went to my vet yesterday and asked to buy dex. Wouldn`t sell it to me. Give your dog benadryl and bring it in asap. Her answer was we have to give other medicenes along with the dex because, There could be a side effect such as deteriation of meat or muscle,in the shot area.hardening of the meat or muscle , ect, ect.
You guys that use dex,have you ever had or heard of anything like this? I have heard of some big copperheads around here. I have killed a few that were almost 2 feet long and smaller. Snakes are moveing here and just want to be prepared.
Thanks

There is also a chance you could be struck by lightening while giving dex to your dog. There is almost zero chance of that happening. Sure its happened once or twice maybe but you also have that one or two cases where a dog is allergic and dies from a simple worming... Doesn't mean it isn't safe.

Also, the muscle weakening would be a long term effect of the drug, not a one time shot. So here is what i would have said to the vet; So my dog gets bit by a rattler and has a VERY real and likely chance of dying before I can get to you and get the medicine. But if I do give the medicine, there is a tiny chance my dogs leg will get stiff... Why don't you let me risk it and then I'll get the dog to you when he is breathing and a sore leg, instead of dead to deal with the problem.

[Tsa la gi]

Point well taken Mo. Anyone know the shelf life? Some say keep it refrigerated, some say doesn't matter?

[Mo. Beagler 5000]

Point well taken Mo. Anyone know the shelf life? Some say keep it refrigerated, some say doesn't matter?

The recommended dose for a 25-30 lb beagle (according to my vet and online references) is 3cc under the skin or in the muscle. you can give the dose 3 times a day but most vets recommend once every 12 15 hours. I haven't had to use it yet because I didn't know about it till after my dogs started getting bit but I hear it will bring the swelling from a copperhead bite literally back to pre-bite cndition in a few hours.

Do not use the .5 to 1cc dose because that is the dosing they use to manage arthritis and isn't enough for a snake bite.

You do not have to refrigerate it but it does need to be under 85 degrees and above 35 for storage purposes. also, out of direct sunlight.. The msds says it is stable though so the range is probably a little higher. Also, as with ALL steroids, it can and will give birth defects to pregnant bitches so do not give it to a pregnant female.

[Tsa la gi]

Thanks Mo. I`ll find it some place and may never have to use it.