A Samoyed
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
Posted on 09/26/2010 2:15:07 PM PDT by JoeProBono
DETROIT, - A dog has paid a heavy physical price for protecting his owner from a rattlesnake, his Michigan owner says.
Kodi, a 3-year-old Samoyed, saved Brenda Lacroix of Davisburg from an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake during a June walk in Shiawassee Basin Park in Springfield Township, Lacroix told the Detroit Free Press.
"This thing flew at his face," said Lacroix, a retired veterinary technician. "It was 3 1/2 feet long and the width of my arm."
Lacroix rushed Kodi's sagging body to her former employer as his face started to swell, and then the dog passed out.
While one veterinarian stabilized Kodi, another tried to find viper anti-venom, which blocks the proteins that destroy blood vessels and cause internal bleeding.
The Detroit Zoo finally came through with five vials of expired anti-venom, no longer usable on humans.
Over five hours, Kodi took the anti-venom through an IV. Lacroix and Kodi have not been back to the park since.
Since the encounter, Kodi has lost control of an eyelid, drools and can't handle hot weather.
"Some days, I look at him and my heart breaks, and some days I look at him and think, 'What a brave boy,' " Lacroix said.
A Samoyed
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
Wow two Michigan rattlesnake threads in the last month or so.
Sled dog gets bit by rattlesnake. Finally, proof that there is global warming.
Good dog! He should get a soup bone for a reward.
The thing that interests me is the lack of antivenom. I saw a report a few months back with snake milkers who claim the new medical rules are putting them out of business.
If I recall correctly they are no longer providers of medical services or something so the wonders od socialized medicine won’t pay them.
Since his problems are permanent, a regular diet of barbecued meat is on order. And plenty of biscuits for dessert.
I had a dog save my life also.
I read on FR that planned on not making coral snake anti-venom as its not cost effective. The alternative is 2-3 weeks in ICU on a breathing apparatus or death...
I used to catch snakes for antivenom production, now it takes so many government permits it isn’t worth the effort and risk.
Yeah start in D.C. there are thousands crawling around there disguised as Politicians and lobbyists...
Sounds good, let’s do it. I’ll go to DC you go kill the other snakes. :o)
There is a Nationwide Rattlesnake Foundup in November!!
I am NOT going. :o(
Beautiful snake AND dog.
“...lost control of an eyelid, drools and can’t handle hot weather.”
I know somebody like that, in my family.
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