Guess it had to happen
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:44 pm
Snake bite! Squirt got bit Sunday afternoon. For well over 20 yrs, close to 30, I have hunted, lived, trained and trialed in central and eastern Ore. I have never had a dog bit before nor do I know anyone that has except an old trialing friend many years ago. His dog got bit on a winter training trip in Arizona.
I was letting both boys run while I was working on our city water well. Bodie came in but Squirt didn't. Waited for him for awhile then took Bodie home and went back to look for Squirt. By then he was back at the well and looking beat and limping a bit. I looked him over and could find no blood so figured he'd sprained a leg. That evening I went to take them out to go and his leg was swelling. I thought it might have gotten broken or fractured. I got a hold of it and messed with it but nothing felt broken an he didn't fuss like it hurt. This morning his leg was swollen up to a bit over twice its normal size so I got him in the car and off to the vet. Actually he heard the car start and came out on his own and got in.
At the vet, they weren't sure if it was a spider or a snake right away but the gave him some anti inflammatories for the swelling and took his temp; 105! He hadn't eaten yesterday and I don't rec all him drinking but they free feed and rink in the kitchen. They had to hook up an IV and pump fluid into him. Them they looked all over the leg and found the bite on his ankle. I left the office at 9am and hes still there on the IV, have to check back after three to see if he can come home tonight.
I mentioned spider bite. I did not know it but the vet told me we have a few spiders here that can do the same thing to a dog. I didn't ask what but guess it would be a Brown Recluse.
I was letting both boys run while I was working on our city water well. Bodie came in but Squirt didn't. Waited for him for awhile then took Bodie home and went back to look for Squirt. By then he was back at the well and looking beat and limping a bit. I looked him over and could find no blood so figured he'd sprained a leg. That evening I went to take them out to go and his leg was swelling. I thought it might have gotten broken or fractured. I got a hold of it and messed with it but nothing felt broken an he didn't fuss like it hurt. This morning his leg was swollen up to a bit over twice its normal size so I got him in the car and off to the vet. Actually he heard the car start and came out on his own and got in.
At the vet, they weren't sure if it was a spider or a snake right away but the gave him some anti inflammatories for the swelling and took his temp; 105! He hadn't eaten yesterday and I don't rec all him drinking but they free feed and rink in the kitchen. They had to hook up an IV and pump fluid into him. Them they looked all over the leg and found the bite on his ankle. I left the office at 9am and hes still there on the IV, have to check back after three to see if he can come home tonight.
I mentioned spider bite. I did not know it but the vet told me we have a few spiders here that can do the same thing to a dog. I didn't ask what but guess it would be a Brown Recluse.
Will be keeping Squirt in me thoughts for a quick and safe recovery. 
Here's to hoping he'll be up and running soon.
