BajaNomad - The Odds catching Up

The Odds catching Up

MrBillM - 8-24-2011 at 06:47 PM

Having lived in the desert for over 40 years in El Norte and 30 in Baja, I've come into contact with more Rattlesnakes than I can remember, some right outside the door.

And, I've killed every damned one I could.

Even with all the near-misses, I NEVER considered it likely that one of my dogs would get bit.

Monday a.m. the wife was feeding the dogs (and Cat) when she YELLED for me.

Our !0-year old's face was hugely swollen on the right-side with her eye almost swollen shut.

Just a couple hours earlier, she'd been fine.

Rushed her to the Vet. Later that afternoon after they got back the toxicology, they felt it was a Rattlesnake Bite. Since the swelling was spreading, they asked if we wanted them to administer an Anti-Venom shot which was VERY expensive.

Absolutely.

After two nights in the hospital (and $1520 later), she's back home. Apparently fine. Still Swollen, but it's going down.

The Anti-Venom shot was $697.

I'm told that the Yearly Snake Vaccine is $36. Two shots the first year and one yearly booster.

Our other Pup goes in Tomorrow.

BTW, although it's only good for the U.S. (far as I know), there's a payment option through www.carecredit.com that offers "Interest Free" if paid within Six or Twelve months. The gimmick is, that like all such, the 26.9 percent interest goes back to Day One if you exceed the time.

But, if you were going to pay cash anyway, it's a good deal.

They also advertise straight credit options at 14.9 percent.

David K - 8-24-2011 at 06:55 PM

Wow.. good move and interesting info. too!

Russ - 8-24-2011 at 07:02 PM

I'm glad your old timer is OK! And of course the cost really isn't too important when dealing with family. A couple weeks ago my 6 yr. old was barking and it was dark so I came out with the flash light and looked around a bit and there was a rattler about 10' away. Like your dog mine really likes to get his nose into stuff so I'm lucky he didn't get hit. I'm hoping he knows better than to mess with snakes now be he does get the the shot every April. I'm told that it is at it's most potent 30 days after and that's about right for the first active snakes down here.

jakecard - 8-24-2011 at 07:20 PM

Happy to hear that your girl is on the mend. What a nightmare.

Both of my dogs got hit in the face by a single copperhead, right in front of me, a few weeks back. Never seen anything strike so fast. From sighting to biting literally took seconds.

I wasn't aware that there was a preventative rattle snake inoculation. You can bet I will be looking into that.

Thanks for the information.

If it ain't scorpions it's snakes. What next!

Jake

Bajatripper - 8-24-2011 at 07:35 PM

Glad to hear that your beloved one is going to be OK. Thanks for the information on the antivenom treatment, I'll have to look into it once I get back.

A ranch I frequent had a large dog get bit by a rattler in the leg. He lost much of the flesh for about 8 inches up and down the leg, bare bone was exposed. Surprisingly, two years later I couldn't tell that it had ever happened. I, like you, wouldn't want to leave such a thing to chance and strong genes.

toneart - 8-24-2011 at 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
I'm glad your old timer is OK! And of course the cost really isn't too important when dealing with family. A couple weeks ago my 6 yr. old was barking and it was dark so I came out with the flash light and looked around a bit and there was a rattler about 10' away. Like your dog mine really likes to get his nose into stuff so I'm lucky he didn't get hit. I'm hoping he knows better than to mess with snakes now be he does get the the shot every April. I'm told that it is at it's most potent 30 days after and that's about right for the first active snakes down here.

Russ,
Where can you get the anti-venom in the Mulege area? People who have put their dogs through Rattlesnake Avoidance training say that it is very effective. I haven't done that but it is a worry, both in Mulege and in the Northern CA foothills.
Thanks,
Tony

BajaDanD - 8-24-2011 at 08:28 PM

there are people who can teach your dog to stay away from snakes The term they use "DeSnaked" they use a rattler that has been milked and defanged to teach the dog to stay away

Here's a link I just pulled up on the Net.
http://brittanys.com/snake.htm

goldhuntress - 8-24-2011 at 08:41 PM

Wow, I'm so glad she ok. One of my biggest fears when I'm in Baja. I do the vaccine and the rattlesnake avoidance training for my dog. I posted about it awhile ago. It's a shock treatment and it's $75, takes 15 min. They recommend a yearly refresher. Are you in Baja or the US. I'd love to know what vet in Baja had anti venom.

grace59 - 8-24-2011 at 09:15 PM

Wow, I'm glad that your dog is going to be OK. Our Baja neighbors who live in Arizona in their "real lives" have taken their dog to the rattlesnake avoidance class and are really happy with the training.

Wife screaming

bajaguy - 8-24-2011 at 09:21 PM

I told my wife that if she ever sees a rattlesnake in our yard or around our dogs, the only thing she should be screaming for is more ammo!!!!! :lol:

nbacc - 8-24-2011 at 09:43 PM

We get our dog the shot every year. Our vet says it is kind of like an insurance policy because the anti venom is so expensive. I always feel better about doing it after I hear a story like yours. thanks for sharing and I am glad your dog is OK. Nancy

vandy - 8-25-2011 at 03:25 AM

I reported seeing a 5-foot red diamondback to my friends.

One asked "So did you kill it? I need a hat band."
I replied, "No, I wouldn't kill one for your stupid hat."

Another asked, "Did you kill it? It might bite my dog."
I replied, "Hell, there are lots of dogs in Mexico. This is the only snake I've seen this year. Of course I didn't kill it."

My third friend asked, "Did you kill it? It might bite one of the local children."
"Hell", I replied, "there are lots of kids in Mexico....."

CaboRon - 8-25-2011 at 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandy
I reported seeing a 5-foot red diamondback to my friends.

One asked "So did you kill it? I need a hat band."
I replied, "No, I wouldn't kill one for your stupid hat."

Another asked, "Did you kill it? It might bite my dog."
I replied, "Hell, there are lots of dogs in Mexico. This is the only snake I've seen this year. Of course I didn't kill it."

My third friend asked, "Did you kill it? It might bite one of the local children."
"Hell", I replied, "there are lots of kids in Mexico....."

Kind of Funny

MrBillM - 8-25-2011 at 09:57 AM

I've ALWAYS killed the Rattlers and, often, my wife has commented on it. My answer is "THAT's one that won't bite the Dogs".

While it's bothered her, since the incident Monday, my wife goes out into the yard with a round-nosed shovel each time she lets the dogs out.

"What are you going to do with that" ?

She says "I'm going to KILL any damned snake I find".

It's all a matter of priorities.

Since talking to them yesterday, two of my neighbors have scheduled their dogs for the vaccine.

wessongroup - 8-25-2011 at 10:14 AM

Thanks for the info... just thought the dog died.. I'm really old school...

Yes, Our Dogs Are Family

Gypsy Jan - 8-25-2011 at 04:40 PM

And you pay through the nose when your family is hurt unexpectedly.

The anti-venom vaccine sounds wonderful; is there a way to find a less costly source?