“Case of the Month” – October 2023

Jack, a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier/Chihuahua mix, was enjoying his family’s rural property in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains when he was bitten on the face by a rattlesnake. Thankfully, owner Andrea Colbert witnessed the attack and took immediate action.

“I called our vet and then we jumped in the car, but it’s about 40 minutes away,” said Colbert. “Jack became unresponsive on the drive. I thought he died actually. It was a very traumatizing event.”

Jack was still alive, though, upon arrival at Pollock Pines Veterinary Hospital where he was met by Dr. James Perkins, a UC Davis alumnus (BS ’75, DVM ’79) who immediately started an array of emergency treatments, including antivenom.

Jack was struggling to survive as the bite was taking its toll on his diminutive stature. Dr. Perkins felt that the severe envenomation required further intensive care, so he started the referral process to the UC Davis veterinary hospital.

Upon arrival at UC Davis, Jack was in anaphylactic shock plus progressive tissue swelling and bleeding from the severe envenomation. The ER team treated him with intravenous fluids and another dose of antivenom. Given his guarded prognosis, Jack was hospitalized, and critical care specialist Dr. Karl Jandrey coordinated his care with pain medications, fluids, and nutritional support.

Over the next four days, Dr. Jandrey and the team of skilled veterinary technicians kept a watchful eye on his condition. Every day, Jack made small steps of improvement, as his wounds became less swollen, painful, and bruised. However, he showed no interest in food, even when presented with tasty treats like salmon and usually appealing human food snacks.

Colbert and her husband Tony visited Jack daily, even bringing Jack’s companion Lacy, a Jack Russell terrier who seemed to cheer up her longtime mate. Finally, on the fourth day, Jack began eating food brought by the Colberts and was well enough to be discharged.

“He seemed half my dog up until that final day in the hospital,” said Colbert. “Thank goodness he started eating a bit.”

Jack still had several weeks until he would be back to 100%. He was placed on limited activity while his condition improved, and the Colberts visited Dr. Perkins for several recheck appointments. Tests at a final recheck with Dr. Jandrey proved he had fully recovered.

“We didn’t think Jack was going to make it,” said Colbert. “We’re so grateful for Dr. Perkins’ initial work, and then Dr. Jandrey and the entire UC Davis team. They all did a great job saving Jack.”

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Rattlesnake bites can be extremely venomous and fatal. Dog owners are encouraged to keep a close eye on their surroundings during walks, especially in rural areas. If your dog has been bitten by a snake, it is an urgent emergency. Seek immediate evaluation by a veterinarian. Don’t wait for symptoms to arise or become worse.