Equine Health

Medicine & Husbandry

Snake Bite Season: Are you ready?

Every summer we see at least one horse suffering from the effects of venom. If your horse is bit:

Call our office immediately. You can do first aid while preparing to trailer the horse or waiting for us to arrive.
Calm and immobilize the victim.
Apply direct pressure to the wound. Tourniquets are not recommended for horses.
Incision and suction of the bite are ineffective and dangerous.
Do NOT give Bute or Banamine. These medications will worsen the effects of the bite.

Medical treatment of snake bite victims is the most effective within the first hour. Prognosis for survival decreases significantly if treatment is delayed.