You and your 4-year-old Labrador, Scout, were hiking when you heard a rattle. Scout yelped and you see two puncture wounds on his muzzle. Within 20 minutes, his face is swelling. He's panting but alert. The nearest vet is 45 minutes away.
Warning: Rattlesnake venom causes tissue necrosis, coagulopathy, and shock. Facial swelling can obstruct the airway. Antivenom is most effective when given early. Seek emergency care immediately. Keep the dog calm and limit activity during transport.
Do Not
Tourniquet, cut, or suck the wound. These worsen tissue damage.
Keep Calm
Activity increases venom spread. Carry small dogs; limit walking for large dogs.
The Triage/Emergency Specialist advises: Rattlesnake bite—seek emergency care. Antivenom within 4–6 hours improves outcome. The Vital Signs Reference helps monitor for shock.
Antivenom (CroFab or Antivipmyn) neutralizes venom. Supportive care: IV fluids, pain management, antihistamines, monitoring for coagulopathy. The Emergency Drug Calculator provides antivenom dosing reference. Prognosis is good with prompt treatment; severity depends on bite location and venom load.
Use Triage/Emergency Specialist, Vital Signs Reference, and Emergency Drug Calculator for emergency guidance.
- Two fang marks = pit viper (rattlesnake) bite.
- Antivenom early—within 4–6 hours improves outcome.
- Keep calm—activity increases venom spread.
- No tourniquet or cutting—can worsen tissue damage.
- Facial bites can cause airway obstruction—monitor closely.