07/07/2018
There have been several horses bitten by rattlesnakes in the last few weeks and we're seeing these snakes appearing in new locations, probably due to the weird weather. Snakebites in horses can be complicated to manage but they usually aren't fatal if you know what to do. Here's a helpful article for horse owners.
The best advice is to keep two 6 inch lengths of garden hose in your emergency kit when you're out riding- if your horse is bitten on the muzzle, you must place the hose lengths in his nostrils immediately before his face swells and he loses his airway. This is a life saving procedure!
I have had a few phone calls asking about the rattlesnake vaccine for horses- the short answer is that there is an approved vaccine, but three boosters are required four weeks apart, and it's best to finish the series before snake season begins, so it's a bit late to start this year. Plus, the company recommends boosting every six months, as it is not known how long the immunity lingers. If the vaccinated horse is bit, it will still require veterinary care, but the effects of the venom are greatly reduced. I am vaccinating my dogs this year, but i haven't made up my mind about my horses yet. I'll let you know if I do!
Be safe out there!
https://thehorse.com/116341/snakebite-in-horses/
