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Chaps,
I did locate this recently, having lost my Jagdterrier to a snake bite eight weeks ago, (still mourning) mind you it's one vets opinion.
cheers
Chris

Vitamin C
In Australia the injection of Vitamin C (10 to 20 mls of 500mg per ml), by intramuscular injection has been used to treat snakebite by owners caught out in the bush. Vitamin C will NOT, according to the latest scientific evidence, inactivate snake venom nor will it reverse the signs of envenomation. Vitamin C is synthesised in adequate amounts by the liver in the healthy dog. It is possible for dogs to have low Vitamin C blood values under certain circumstances. These include, stress, liver disease, pain, lactation or very high levels of activity. It may under these conditions, be beneficial to supplement with Vitamin C.
Vitamin C has several functions in the dog. It is an antioxidant and is required for the synthesis of collagen steroids and carnitine (required for muscle metabolism). Vitamin C also assists in the maintenance of the Immune system and in detoxification of various drugs and toxins by the liver. In a study in 1972, Vitamin C supplementation failed to offer any significant protection against infectious diseases. There may be a small benefit to stressed dogs in supplementing them with vitamin C to enable them to more efficiently use their liver detoxification systems. Just how effective a role high doses of Vitamin C plays in snakebites is unknown. It is certainly less harmful to your dog than cutting down over the bite site or electrocuting your dog, but I would under no circumstances use it as the sole treatment for snakebite. During snake “season” it may be worthwhile giving your dog a Vitamin C tablet daily to keep up their Vitamin C levels.
In conclusion, the best first aid treatment is to keep the animal calm and apply a bandage to the site, if possible, to stop the toxin spreading and then get to a Vet for antivenom and intensive care.

A recent article suggests that your best snake bite kit should contain just 1 thing, a set of car keys!!!!!

Dr Jedwab holds copyright on this article and it must not be reprinted or reproduced without his permission. Dr Jedwab has kindly given permission for the BAOV to place the article on our website.

By Dr. J. Danny Jedwab.
Hampton Veterinary Hospital
Hampton, Melbourne, Vic.
03-95210211

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Love to hunt!

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