SNAKES
SNAKES Snakes can be commonly found in metropolitan Perth, especially during the warmer months. Two of the world’s most venomous snakes occur in Perth - namely the Dugite (Pseudonaja affinis) and Common Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus).
Dugites belong to a group of deadly Brown Snakes that occur throughout Australia. Large male dugites can grow up to 2.1 metres long! Brown Snakes are highly venomous - over the last 24 years in Australia, 22 of 38 snake bite human deaths have been attributed to Brown Snakes. In a recent survey of 379 vet clinics throughout Australia, Brown Snakes accounted for more than 50% of bites in dogs and cats. The last recorded human death by a Dugite in Perth was in 1993 when an elderly woman was bitten in Spearwood (suburb south of Fremantle). Dugites seem to have a liking for garden sheds and wood piles. They commonly occur in built-up areas as they enjoy making a meal out of house rodents. The Common Tiger Snake is also highly venomous and can grow to about 1.2 metres long. Tiger snakes tend to occur in areas close to water (e.g. swamps, lakes and dams).
Although the exact components of the snake venom vary from species to species, most Australian snakes have a “combination” venom consisting of a potent neurotoxin that causes paralysis and respiratory dysfunction, a pro-coagulant or anticoagulant that leads to a blood clotting disorder (coagulopathy), and sometimes a myotoxin that causes progressive destruction of muscles, causing muscle weakness and pain. In addition, the venom often causes secondary kidney damage. General signs of envenomation incluse photophobia, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, sudden collapse, dilated pupils, excessive salivation, respiratory distress, abdominal pain, elevated heartbeat, dark urine (haemoglobinuria), followed by flaccid paralysis, paleness (due to cyanosis), and death. Vomiting and collapse can occur within minutes of a bite, followed by an apparent “improvement” or “recovery” for 30 to 60 minutes, before deteriorating again. Cats may have a more delayed reaction to a snake bite compared to a dog (depending on the amount of venom), and may only show symptoms of envenomation several hours to a day after the bite.
Snake bites tend to occur more commonly in the summer months. Keep your garden clutter free of wood piles or general junk, and keep the grass short. Sulphur powder (obtained from army-surplus stores) spread along the outer perimeter of your fencing may help as a deterrent to snakes. If your suspect that your pet has been bitten, try to identify the snake if possible but do not attempt to catch the snake! Ring us immediately to alert us of your arrival, minimize your pet’s movement and bring your pet to the clinic as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to suck the venom out or apply a torniquet. Both Dugite (Brown Snake) and Tiger Snake antivenin are available at our vet centres.
For safe snake removal from your home, please contact a licensed reptile remover through the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) on (08) 9344 0333
