snakebite

[bigdog]

I lost my 10 month old Bassett last Saturday to a rattlesnake bite. We rushed him to the vet within a half hour of the bite and the vet administered an IV and gave large doses of dexamethazone. My dog's leg swelled to twice it's normal size and began swelling under his abdomen. He fought so hard to live but as the day went on the swelling increased and I guess his heart played out. It was so hard to see him suffer like he did but the vet was encouraging and said he thought he had a good chance to make it. After 12 hours he really started to fade and gave it up at about 14 hours. I really miss the little guy. He was my first bassett and although I've had many dogs I've never had one that I enjoyed as much.
I was curious as to whether anyone had ever had any success in treating a rattlesnake bite? Unfortunately rattlesnakes are really bad where I live and I worry about my other dogs too. I want to know what to do next time. I know what didn't work.
Missing Big Dog in Del Rio

[Southern Bassets]

Hey I'm so sorry to hear about that.
It's a very good point you made. But sorry not one that I would even know where to start? Sadly many of us live in areas where that would be a problem.
Maybe someone has an idea?

Are you going to get another Basset?

[bigdog]

Thank you for your kindness. I apologize for taking so long to reply. We took Big Dog up to our place in Stephenville to bury him. It's a five hour drive but it is so pretty up there and he loved to visit there. It takes a back hoe to dig a hole around here. We stayed up there awhile. It was good to get away from here. Everywhere I looked I saw Big Dog looking back at me. I miss him so much!!! He looked so much like your black tri. Big Dog was my first Bassett Hound. We actually got him for my son but since my son travels alot Mr. Big became my dog. I've never had a dog with that much personality. Although we only had for him 8 months he made a great impact on our lives. Since all my kids are grown he managed to fill the emptiness and I know that I will have to have another Bassett someday. But I am so afraid that the dog won't be everything that he was and I will always be comparing them. I guess that will have to wait awhile.
About the snakebite treatment- I asked a vet in Stephenville about what type of treatment they used and she printed out the instructions from their emergency manual for me. According to those instructions the Dexamethasone that my vet had me giving every three hours made the swelling worse. The instructions that she gave me called for high doses of Benedryl. I will be keeping some on hand for my other dogs. But we don't walk out here anymore. I've been snake hunting a few times but have had no luck. Someday I will get him!!

[slurpy]

You know how very sorry we are that you lost Big Dog and I think he came with Gabby & Lindsey to help Poo get her Wings last Sunday. See she was so very young and soooo sick and scared. Feel well assured that Big Dog is in Good Hands !
whoooo if you only knew Lindsey 87lbs of all healthy Basset! A big ol traditional Basset Girl ( mind you the vet said big not fat ) Well she mothered anything right down to an ant !! Yes I said an Ant Then their was the Summer of 2001 when I helped 3 wild baby bunnies who's momma was killed by a cat. Basset a hunting dog ::)Not ol Lindsey she was right in the middle while I was dropper feeding them licking and cleaning them. Ol mother bear (10 years old when she left us)

Next we have My Doodlebug "Gabby" Courious, inquisitive, Loving, but yet smart and stubborn at the same time. She bounced around with a lot of Basset Pride or shall we say Bassitude.(She was 4 years old when she left us)
Both were comedians, clowns, mothering, sweet, protective, loyal and Gentle.
Please be gentle on me for the very long post, spelling, missed words or what ever might show below, it was late and I worked into the weeeee hours putting this together. Please allow us that wish .....to use our imigations as our precious ones moved on to Rainbow Bridge.

(Her we go ......................." Heaven Talks")

Now that leaves Big Dog in the Hands of "Grandma Lindsey" the meaditor, Laying in the middle of the clouds watching both Gabby and Big Dog runing around and over her ...as they pass by she barks and play growls making the two of them run more silly and simple.

Huffing and Puffing they stop by a pile of any and everything they could ever ask for munching and eating away !A big AAAAAAA ROOOOOFFFFFF Lindsey spies the food........

"waaaatch it move over Gabby and Big Dog out of my wayyyyy "
plop" right on top of the pile of goodies play growling and guarding the pile!

Gabby......"don't go away Big Dog her bark is worse than her bite....come here my little buddy watch.".....Gabby munching around Lindsey......"See she's my Grandma I have tormented her for years she won't get up, come help me ,push her buttons is fun she's a Queen" just lays a top the goodies, won't move because getting up requires effort! ;D

"Big Dog come here fella "as Gabby begins to wash his face and the left over tears from his eyes where he cried so hard and so long because his Master was so very sad.

"Remember I told you when Lindsey and I came to you after we listened and listend following your cries until we found you, dry up those tears ol buddy and follow us."

For 5 straight days as Lindsey and Gabby snuggled on a cloud with Big Dog ( he was 9 months when he left)right smack in the middle they shared all their happy moments on earth. With each moment they reflected upon they could begin to see through the clouds ...............their Master's tears turn from sadness to Joy as each memory filled their hearts and began to bandaid the broken hearts with forever paw prints etched within their hearts.

"Come on Gabby and Big Dog I hear very little cries coming from a far. "
Lindsey, Gabby and Big Dog dashed as fast as they could towards the cries....
"Lindsey, Big Dog wait here" as Gabby runs ahead "Poo, Poo is that you" this tiny scared voice "Aunt Gabby is that you, I can't see all this white fluffy puffy stuff is in my way"

" Poo Poo get down do your flat basset we'll find you don't cry ,please don't cry it will be alright"

"Come on Lindsey come on Big Dog this is Poo you haven't met her but she is my niece"
Rushing ahead from cloud to cloud..................... A voice...

" I got her, I got her she's soooo tiny"

"It's alright Poo I'm Big Dog, your Aunt Gabby and Grandma Lindsey found me when I was all alone, scared and crying for my master's"

"I thought I was the youngest one here but Poo your so small (Poo was 5 months when she left us) here jump on my back, grab my ears annnndddd hold on don't let go"

"PPPLLLFFFF Big Dog What's this Puffy Stuff?"

"Heaven Poo You'll never hurt again"

" Proud of me Guys? I put my nose to the ground took in a big puff of air let it out and my ears waived about bringing Poo's scent right to me and waaaa laaaa here's POO"

Poo jumps and Kisses and rolls and kisses and "ooops guess Lindsey hasn't had her ears pulled in awhile"

"It's okey Poo I told Big Dog her Barks worse than her bite"

Lindsey, Gabby & Big Dog Line up.............

"Come here Poo we have something for you"

"What, what, what is it?"

"Shall we"......Gabby takes one side, Lindsey takes the other "now Push Big Dog right smack in the middle"

"Hey guys what's these things for? Hey Hey you got them too"
"Poo they are wings and wings are only earned when you come to heaven, see I have them Gabby has them"

"Why's Big Dog's and mine Whiter?"

"Because Poo we have been here for awhile waiting on those that cross over and well shall we say, our drool sort of gives them a look all their own after all we are bassets and we have to stand out a bit you know hugh Lindsey?"

"Alright now Gabby grab my right ear, Big Dog grab Gabby's right ear and Poo, Poo where are you?

mhhhmhhhhmhhh sniffling" I'm right here"
"Lindsey, Big Dog what's a matter with Poo?"

" Remember Gabby when you and Lindsey laid beside me on a cloud and I cried all my tears out helping to band aid my master's heart? Leaving my memories to put precious paw prints forever in their hearts"

" Come on guys... Lindsey I'm not being Bossy but lay down, Gabby Lay right beside her, now Poo I am going to put you right in the middle of them, lay down and spread your wings, cry, cry and cry all your sad tears out and allow them to turn to tears of happiness. Don't worry I will be laying right in front of your Grandma Lindsey and Aunt Gabby with my nose pressed against them until it's time"

"Time for What?" "you'll see"

The four of them laid a top the big white cloud, so still but yet never breaking the bond between them once again sharing all the memories of the ones they left behind and once again they began to feel their sad tears turn to joy as they watched their memories place forever paw print sin their master hearts

" Come on Gabby grab my right ear, Big Dog ...Gabby's right ear, Now Poo move you shoulders as if running"

"woooohhhaaaa what's these?"

"Poo Poo attention down here, there will be forever time to play in a bit. Now Flutter those little wings down here, right between Gabby and I. Grab one of Gabby's ears and one of my ears, mind you I said Grab not bite! Ready Gabby, Ready Big Dog, hold on Poo"

Quietly and Proudly the four of them Lindsey, Gabby, Big Dog and Poo ear to ear made their very precious walk over the Bridge.

Rainbow Bridge


Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone
here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows
and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play
together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our
friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health
and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and
strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days
and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for
one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone
who was left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one
suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are
intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from
the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have
been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The
happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the
beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so
long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
Author Unknown

Greated by sooooooooooooo many like them, jumping and leaping and flying....
"See Poo you know what to do with them" "Hey, Hey Poo..... before you flutter off, come here Gabby, Big dog, this is Luke, he's my son and he has been here for over 4 years a mighty 6 months old when left , Now I must introduce you to my mother this is the Royal Queen Lindsey"

" I am not the Royal Queen but for now....well, all right"
As hundreds and hundreds of dogs gathered around, the Royal Queen Lindsey she began to speak......

"Leaving the ones you love behind is sooo very hard, but know you have all done what has been ask of you earning you Angel Wings. Know that what ever alied you before will never hurt again. You will never be hungry, cold, kicked ,beaten. "

Poo "hey look I can weee weee water now, yippieeee my kidneys work"

"Poo as your aunt wee wee is fine but try to not drop all the rain on one place move about in the clouds and send some to drought places"

"oops sorry Great Grandma Lindsey go on"

"your gray will leave you, your pain will go away, you will be restored to your uthfull ways. Food oh my.... flutter and walk about but Poo stay put I'm not done yet! Anything and everything you will ever want is here in this peaceful Meadow, however keep you ears tuned becasue as your friends leave their masters they will need a guided way and............the day will come when you will need to meet your masters and walk them Over RainBow Bridge"

Big Dog is a basset friend that crossed over about the time Poo did so he Joined up with the Hamilton Hounds! Loseing a Pet is devistating and one can only use their imigination as to the Wonderful Peaceful Place they are in!

Bless you all and Please see the Board to Follow!

[slurpy]

If there's a Doggy Heaven


If there's a doggy heaven,
I know that's where you are--
About a billion miles away,
Standing on a star.
It's a doggy paradise;
No fences and no leads.
There won't be any do's or don'ts.
You can do just as you please.
There'll be lots of bones to chew
And lots of holes to dig.
There'll be lots of other dogs--
Little ones and big!
You can romp and play with new-found friends
Forever, don't you see?
So, why are you sitting at the gate
Just waiting there for me?
Zoa Rockenstein 1975




THE EULOGY


Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere
In the air that you breathe
In the sounds that you here
Don't cry for me Mom
My spirit is near
I'll watch for you
From the other side
I'll be the one running
New friends by my side
Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start





Lend Me a Pup


I will lend to you for awhile,
a pup, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe two or three
But will you, 'till I call him back,
take care of him for me.
He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd's life's land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come
to take my Pup back again.
I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this Pup will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness
we'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known
forever grateful stay
But should you call him back
much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.
If, by our love, we've managed,
your wishes to achieve
In memory of him we loved,
to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle
departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup
and love him all his life.
-author unknown



For Some More Please see our Web Page:





members.tripod.com/jskrista44905/id39.htm

[slurpy]

Sorry side tracked a bit. There is a program on television I believe animal Planet and I catch it around maybe 11:30 at night and it is called veniomous ( spelling) Something and it is strictly Live Er Emergency issues with snake bits. Most of the time it is an Emergency room dealing with people (and some have died) but once in awhile they will come from a vet emergency. If it is on I will tape it and pay close attention to it. It is all real and happening as you watch. We don't have to deal with snake bits here much so I really watch it find it interesting but never noted alot of what they are doing! They even had an episode about the Brown Recluse Spider that bit me. Now that I did fine tune into.


The Dexamethasone is a drug of choice in allergic reactions while yes it causes swelling not the type like you are thinking. It is a fourm of steriod that is safely used it's job is to take the inflamation away from the lungs, heart, if used for joint pain the joint injury. It is a very very fast safe fourm of like human predisone. It is usually used along withhigh doses of Benedryl . The vet was faced with a very critical allergic reaction and had to use the strongest allergic reaction medication they have on hand. The needed an anti-venom. In the emergency show I speak above I can tell you that steroids and Benedryl are the 1st meds used and safely readministered often while they are giving the anti venom. One guy while giving the anti-venom went into a serious allergic reaction to it and they had to stop it and use the steroids and Benedryl to save his life then hope and pray that it all worked because the anti venoms of choice could not be administered her was seriously allergic. He was very touch and go and touch and go but he lived.

Then there was another one that the anti-venom his body tolorated but after 33 doses of anti venom he died leaving behind a wife and 2 young boys. He was bitten mowing the grass. I have got to get you guys the name it is extremely informative. They give the steroids and Benedryl even before they will use the anti-venom because if the patient has a allergic reaction to the anti-venom they have some allergic reaction drugs on board. When they were at the vet clinic Out of the 5 cases 2 dogs died, 1 lived and one the owners decided to let go. If I was in snake area I would be calling my vets and asking what they do in a case of a bite. I know they need to know what type of snake if they can, they said if you can grab ice put the ice between where the strike is and the heart to try to slow the venom down until you get help. Some depends on where the bite is the futher from the heart the small bit of more time they have. I will wrap this up for now, but I will vet all info I can for you guys,

[bigdog]

Julie,
Wow! I feel such a bond with you and the Hamilton Hounds having read your posts. I am so glad to know that all of your hounds in Heaven had the same characteristics that I loved and enjoyed in Big Dog. As he was my first Bassett I was so afraid that it was pure luck on my part to have found such a perfect pet and then I have been so devasted since losing him because I thought I could never replace him. Reading your posts has given hope that while I know Big Dog was sooooo special, many of his traits were due to the breed. I did have several people tell me when they saw him that "everyone should own a Bassett". I now realize that although I have other breeds of dogs that I love very much (2 Australian Sheperds and2 Boxer/Bird Dog mix) I will have to always own a Bassett!!! I have contacted the breeder that I got Big Dog from and his mother is due in 4 weeks. The lady was so nice and she is going to contact me so that I may have pick of the litter. They should be ready about the middle of October. Last year we picked up Big Dog on Halloween so it will be kind of a birthday present for him and myself (Oct. 29). I was kind of reluctant for many reasons but I could tell my family was going to get me another one because I have been so down. But I knew I had to some part of Big Dog to love. When I contacted the lady that raised Big Dog and she said a litter was on the way I felt that it was meant to be and Big Dog would understand if I replaced him with one of the family. I hope he does. Picturing him romping and playing with Lindsey (all 87lbs. of her!! Wow, I never heard of one that big!! Lot's to love!!) and Gabby and Poo makes me feel better. He too was one to growl over the food bowl. Even though he was the baby around here he mangaged to run everyone off of their food so that he could eat it all. He was so active thanks to our walks, which proved to be his downfall, that his weight had stayed at about 45 lbs. for the last couple of months. He was beginning to fill out in his chest. Today marks the 3rd week since he was bit and I usually go snakehunting but it has been raining this morning. Now who is sidetracked-
About the treatment of snakebites- We only have 3 vets here and none of them carry the anti-venom due to the cost ($600-$800 a dose, usually requiring at least 2) and none of them believe that it is that helpful. From what I have heard and read many dogs have allergic reactions to the anti-venom. That is one reason why the high doses of benedryl are given. The benedryl does not do much to help deal with the venom itself, but does help with calming the dog and with the allergic reactions. Had my vet had the anti-venom I would have spent the money gladly. I did discover on my internet search about snake bites and dogs that there was a place in California that claimed to have a vaccination that was given 2 times the first year and annually thereafter that was suppose to help the dogs deal with venom. I mentioned it to my vet and he laughed. I need to go into the site and do some checking on it though. It might be worth a try. It seems that the bottom line is that with Rattlesnake bites and small dogs it is almost always fatal. It also greatly depends on the amount of venom in the snake. The one that bit Big Dog must have plenty!! The vet that I talked to in Stephenville, Tx said that they have real good success in treating Copperhead (They don't have many rattlesnakes up there so that's where I want to move to!! )snakebites with the large doses of Benedryl. Usually in 24 hours they are fine. Her clinic does not believe in using the anti-venom either. If I knew of postive results with it I might be tempted to keep it on hand just in case. But for the moment we are just dealing with the problem by giving up our daily walks (and getting fatter by the minute).
Well, that's all I know for now. Guess I had better get to work!
Thanks again, Julie for all your time and love put into your posts. I know how you are hurting. Here is hoping that Lindsey, Gabby, Poo and Big Dog have the best day ever of their Heavenly lives!!!
Sincerely,
Candy

[maryahileman]

(I'm sadden to hear about your beloved basset. I know he will be greatly missed. Most people don't know what to do in that situation. I guess we need to be up to date on animal emergencys. I know I wouldn't know what to do either.