Snake bites in dogs

Altogether 11 cases of stings in dogs are reported. In at least nine cases, common vipers (Vipera berus) were identified to be the causes. The most frequently observed symptoms were haemorrhagic and oedematous inflammations of the area of the wounds, furthermore haemolysis and intense leukocytosis with relative and absolute neutrophilia and in some cases shock symptoms. One dog died 17 days after the accident from multiple organ insufficiencies, all the other dogs improved. As a therapy, bandage of the injured limb, quieting of the dog, snake antitoxin, corticosteroids, antihistaminics, antibiotics, and symptomatic therapy depending on the clinical signs are recommended.