My owner always leaves me out the backyard when she goes to bowls for the day. Last week, I came across this black wriggly creature and I went in for the attack, biting it several times. By the time my owner got home, I was feeling very woozy, my back legs were giving out and I was gasping for air. The vet came right away and gave me a jab. After a good night’s sleep I was OK. What was going on here? (Jerry, Wire Haired Terrier, 11 years, Dalmeny)

Dr Alan

Jerry, you were very lucky to survive a snake bite. There are two ends to a snake and when you bite the tail the head end will whip around and bite you, sometimes several times. Even a small amount of venom from a bite can cause your red blood cells to rupture, muscle cells to dissolve and kidney failure to occur. Larger amounts of venom paralyze the muscles you use to breathe and you will suffocate. Because your owner called for assistance immediately and the vet was able to administer the appropriate antivenom you survived. The key to success here is quick action. Around Narooma there are Red Belly Black Snakes, Brown Snakes and Tiger Snakes, all of which are very dangerous to pets (and people too) Statistics indicate a 70% mortality rate for dog snake bite victims when no antivenom is administered, not very good odds.