re: My adult Catahoula (50lbs) got bit this evening on the ankle by a snake

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We didn't see the snake or hear her get bit and we didn't find out until much later so I wasn't able to find the snake.

Her entire front leg is swollen and the two fang holes are both weeping clearish fluid. Her tail is drooping and she's obviously in a subdued mood but she's not completely laid out by it.

I have a much smaller mutt that got bitten on the snout about 2 years ago and he shook it off no problem.

Should I be worried or just ride it out. I've had lots of friends tell me their dogs made it through snake bites okay but I don't want to be foolhardy.

Anyone got any advice or experience to share?

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My lab has been beaten by western diamonbacks several times...she hates the things and they seem to feel the same way about her. She will swell up but it doesn't seem to effect her....she will continue to hunt.

I went to the vet the first time and they asked about vaccinating her. I didn't know such a thing existed and was willing to do it...about $300 I think...when the vet told me that its rare for a dog to suffer much from a snake bite. I decided against it but it is out there if you think you may need it. The folks in New Mexico are mixed on it...some wouldn't dream of having a dog without it and some, like me, didn't see the point. Her having been bitten several more times with no ill side effects tells me it probably ain't necessary....now if it would somehow soften her views on sharing the planet with snakes of all stripes I would pay for it but I do not think anything short or room temperature is ever going to soften her opinion on snakes or road runners...she can't tolerate a road runner either....