I thought I would share with everyone what to do if your horse is bitten by
a rattlesnake since I just obtained that information from my vet just in
case I have to deal with it (Today was too close for comfort).
Most likely if you are riding down the trail, the snake will feel the
vibration and LEAVE. However, if he doesn't and the horse is bitten in the
legs, it isn't that bad. Get the horse back home and call the vet.
Apparently horses don't die from snake bites. If the horse is bitten on the
nose (probably while grazing), then you have a BIG PROBLEM. Apparently the
horse can die within 15 minutes by suffocation. When the face is bitten, it
swells up and blocks the nasal airway. Horses don't know how to breath
through their mouths, so they can suffocate. What you need to do is: Use
some kind of tubing (acquarium tubing, surringe with tip broken off, hose,
etc) and put it up the nostril until you open the airway. Then call the
vet immediately.
Hope no one ever needs this information. I have added one more thing to my
cantle bag: a piece of 1/2 inch acquarium tubing.
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Carol Robertson <roberc@pacific.net> Kelseyville, CA