Basset Hound survives snake bite

by Kimberli Riggins

A very good and dear friend of ours, James Inman, has a Basset hound that he had saved from a bad fate.  LeRoy (aka: Low -Rider) was out wondering the area woods with the other saved dogs about a month ago when he apparently came up on a Moccasin [snake] and was bitten at least 3 times. Once in the throat, once on the chest and once on the right hind foot. Le Roy came home with his face swollen to that of a basketball that weekend.

James checked him out and before James could take him to the Vet Le Roy took a hike. Le Roy came home again about 1 week later, the swelling had gone down somewhat to that of the bad case of the mumps. This again was on the weekend, the next day, Le Roy had taken another hike. Again, a week later, here comes Le Roy, this time on a Thursday evening with much weight loss along with no fur or skin on the throat or chest area.

James doctored him and Le Roy took another hike this time for about 2 days. Le Roy came back home with a hole in his throat which you could put a drink can in and his chest looking very bad and raw and with his right hind foot somewhat swollen but not bad. James takes one look at the ole boy and about has a fit. James is thinking the dog will not make it looking as bad as he does.

Well, that was a week ago and ole Le Roy is doing lots better and for his reward for living with the pain of the snake bite and taking so many hikes, Le Roy will be treated to a big fat steak on Saturday. This is truly an amazing dog to have survived a snake bite of this kind and to suffer with no Vet. care (due to his leaving home each time) and no food. Le Roy has the determination of a great Basset hound. As of last evening, Le Roy was out following James on his 4-wheeler and having a fine time and enjoying life once again.

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Editor's note: It is probably nothing short of a miracle that LeRoy survived this incident! Please seek veterinary care as soon as possible when you animal is sick or injured. It is not uncommon for animals to "take a hike" when they are not feeling well or injured. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Also, it is not recommended to "reward" pets with steaks, hamburgers or other such treats -- Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, can be seen after ingestion of a fatty meal, and it can be a life-threatening illness.

Read more:
Veterinary Q & A - Pancreatitis

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