How much does it cost if your dog gets bit by a rattlesnake?

Beyond the risk to your pet, the treatment is expensive—often more than $2,500. Beyond the normal costs of emergency care, the average vial of antivenom costs $600 to $1000, and your pet may need more than one. “The antivenom is so expensive, we only give as much as we have to,” says Dr. Carotenuto.

How much does it cost to treat a snake bite on a dog?

Treatment of Snake Bites on Dogs

The biggest downside to antivenom is cost; it can range anywhere from $450 to $700 per vial. Usually, a single vial will control the envenomation but several vials may be necessary, especially in small dogs or cats.

Can a dog survive a rattlesnake bite without treatment?

Without treatment your dog will suffer miserably, and smaller dogs may succumb to the effects of the toxins in the venom. The cornerstone of treatment is intravenous fluids, pain meds and antivenin.

How much does treatment for a rattlesnake bite cost?

The average list price for CroFab is $3,198 per vial, according to the health care information tech company Connecture. Manufacturing costs, product improvements and research all factor into the drug's price, said Chris Sampson, spokesman for BTG. A Mexican version of snake antivenin can cost roughly $200.

Can a dog recover from a rattlesnake bite?

In addition, most veterinarians also report less painful dogs, less lethargy, less swelling, that the swelling progression typically reversed within the first 1 to 2 hours, and that dogs had full recoveries in about 24 to 48 hours.

What to do when rattlesnake bites your dog - Quick beginner Guide

How much does it cost to give your dog antivenom?

Beyond the risk to your pet, the treatment is expensive—often more than $2,500. Beyond the normal costs of emergency care, the average vial of antivenom costs $600 to $1000, and your pet may need more than one. “The antivenom is so expensive, we only give as much as we have to,” says Dr. Carotenuto.

How long will a dog live after a rattlesnake bite?

For the best chance of survival your dog needs to be seen to within 30 minutes. A rattlesnake bite is one of the biggest medical emergencies your dog could face. If given the right treatment and quick enough, dogs can live from a rattlesnake bite, with survival rates said to be between 80% and 90%.

Does insurance cover antivenom?

Depending on the plan, most insurance companies cover a portion of the anti-venom. Both patients we talked to paid more than $3,000 out-of-pocket.

What happens when a rattlesnake bites a dog?

The toxins in venom cause multiple reactions in a dog, which can lead to a cascade of debilitating metabolic changes. The bite is initially quite painful, and as the toxin spreads, it causes profound swelling and discomfort. Most dogs are bitten on the head, although bites to the front legs are also common.

Is there a vaccine for dogs against rattlesnake bites?

The Cortalus Atrox Toxoid, or “rattlesnake vaccine,” provides dogs with protection against and reduces the symptoms associated with rattlesnake bites. Importantly, though, it does not mean veterinary care is not required.

Does Pet Insurance Cover rattlesnake bites?

Pets Best Insurance Reimburses Over $2,300 on Rattlesnake Bite Claim. The pet insurance company pays 80 percent of a vet bill, after the deductible, on a snake bite claim that would have cost the pet owner over $3,000 without pet insurance.

How long before a snake bite kills a dog?

bull snake, garden snake or racer snake} and although these bites are painful and could cause infection, they are not fatal. However, if your dog should encounter a venomous snake {ie. Copperhead, rattlesnake or water moccasin} then the venom could kill a dog within an hour unless you give first aid immediately.

What should I do if my dog gets bit by a rattlesnake?

Call an Emergency Vet Right Away

Call your vet or an emergency veterinarian immediately! Perform this step as soon as you and your dog are safely away from the snake.

Can you buy snake antivenom for dogs?

It works, but at a price, and at times can be a bit rough on the recipient since they are being injected with foreign proteins. Just one vial of antivenom for pets can cost around $600, and most dogs require more than one vial.

How do vets treat snake bites on dogs?

Will a dog yelp if bitten by a snake?

If you see a rattlesnake bite your dog, move quickly. Your dog will likely yelp and back off a bit, but he may try to fight the snake.

Can I buy antivenom?

There's only one commercially available antivenin for "treating venomous snakebites in the United States - CroFeb, manufactured by U.K.-based BTG plc," according to The Washington Post. There are no other competitors in the market, and because of that, in 2014, BTG closed out around $100 million.

Can dogs smell snakes?

A: No, most breeds cannot smell reptiles. Only the breeds with the most developed sense of smell—retrievers, Blood hounds, Bassets, Beagles — are able to detect snakes merely by smell.

How much does snake anti venom cost?

The N&O spoke with UNC Health and Duke Health for answers: At UNC Health: For a typical initial dose of four to six vials, the total charge for the antivenom treatment can range from $76,000 to $115,000, UNC Health's pharmacy team said through local news director Alan Wolf.

How much is rattlesnake venom worth?

The venom is apparently a “critical ingredient” in medications that help prevent strokes and treat conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, among others. It's also extremely lucrative: the venom is worth $225 per gram.

Why does antivenom cost so much?

The antivenom is costly, in part because it's the only treatment licensed in the US and is made by “milking” for their venom which is injected into animals in minute doses to collect the antibodies they produce.

How do you keep rattlesnakes away?

Tips for Getting Rid of Rattlesnakes

Clear your yard of clutter, debris, and food sources. Fill any open cracks, crevices, or holes in the home's exterior. Set a trap or administer snake repellent. Contact a wildlife management service for humane removal.

How often are rattlesnake bites fatal to dogs?

However, a reported 5% of dogs die as a result of rattlesnake bites. History of contact with a rattlesnake and clear signs of a bite -- either because of the telltale wounds or characteristic tissue damage -- are how most dogs are diagnosed with the possibility of rattlesnake envenomation.

How painful is a rattlesnake bite?

A rattlesnake bite can produce painful swelling, bruising, tissue destruction, bleeding problems and, in rare cases, can be fatal. Most bites occur between the months of April and October.

Can you survive a rattlesnake bite without treatment?

If you're bitten by one it can be dangerous, but it's very rarely fatal. However, if left untreated, the bite may result in severe medical problems or can be fatal.