More pets bitten by snakes; antivenom supply limited ahead of summer

Sweden is experiencing a significant surge in snakebites affecting pets, with a more than 63% increase in cases reported by the animal care chain Evidensia in May compared to the previous year. This rise is attributed, in part, to the unusually warm and sunny weather in May, which encouraged more owners and their pets to spend time outdoors, increasing the likelihood of encounters with snakes.

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We see that more cases have required treatment with antivenom this spring.

Veterinarians note that snakes appear to have been more venomous earlier this spring, as evidenced by a notable increase in cases requiring intensive care and antivenom treatment as early as April. This unexpected demand has led to a limited supply of antivenom for the upcoming summer months.

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We have it in stock at our clinics and have made a geographical distribution to ensure that one can get access to specialist care and serum at the major hospitals.

Marlene Areskog, chief veterinarian at Evidensia, stated that while antivenom is stocked at their clinics, a geographical distribution has been made to ensure availability at major hospitals. However, she cautioned that the supply is not unlimited. If the trend continues, some pets might need to be referred to other clinics that still have antivenom in stock.

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If the trend continues, it may be that one needs to be referred to another clinic that has snake serum at home.

Snakebites, most commonly occurring on a pet's paw or nose, can be life-threatening. The severity depends on various factors, including the bite location. Areskog advised owners to keep their pets still, carry them home, and seek immediate veterinary attention. Prevention includes keeping dogs on a leash in wooded areas and supervising their activities. While cats generally fare better, bites can still be fatal for them, often occurring on their front paws, which is particularly risky as movement can spread the venom.

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My experience is that the dogs that get bitten in the paws and legs are more often at risk of becoming really ill, but even those who are bitten in the nose can become really ill.