|
|
|
|
::: COMMUNITY NEWS
Two dogs bitten in front yard rattlesnake encounter Published Saturday, August 7, 2004 Two dogs bitten by a 3½-foot rattlesnake at a home on De La Cruz Drive survived the attack after their owners rushed them to a veterinary clinic that provides emergency care around the clock. The two West Highland white terriers were bitten Tuesday evening while playing with a third Westie in the courtyard at the front of the home owned by Ron and Teri Lucas. The couple's daughter, Haley, who is staying with her parents, noticed her dog, Hula, was acting strangely after she let her into the house. After discovering blood on the dog's head and hearing the other dogs barking outside, she and her parents investigated. They found the big snake coiled and poised to strike in a planting area next to a courtyard wall.
Ron Lucas grabbed a metal patio umbrella base with an open design and threw it over the snake. When it stuck its head through an opening in the base, he dispatched the snake with a shovel. The dogs were all so excited, it was hard to tell if the other two had also been struck, he said, so all three dogs were taken to Sacramento Veterinary Surgical Services, off Bradshaw Road, which provides after-hours care. There it was determined Hula had been bitten twice on the face and Maxee, the Lucas' dog, was bitten once. Chili, their other Westie, was unharmed. Although Hula was out of immediate danger by Friday, the dog remained at the facility for treatment. Maxee was back home earlier, with an inch or so wound at the top of her nose indicating where she'd been bitten. "It's just their nature to go after things," said Teri Lucas of the small terriers. "They're not going to back down." Before the snake attack, the Lucases had been secure in the belief that the courtyard was safe from snakes. It was designed to be, Teri Lucas explained -- "We knew we were in snake country." From the high stone walls to the entry gate that sits hardly more than an inch off the ground, the courtyard seems to offer virtually no access for any species of uninvited visitor. The courtyard functions as a backyard for the home, which backs up to the North Course, and it contains a swimming pool with the appearance of a natural pond. Planting areas surround the pool and border the walls, creating a serene, lush setting that's completely enclosed. If a large rattlesnake could turn up here, it could turn up anywhere, seems to be the lesson learned, the couple says. "A lot of our friends are looking at how they take their dogs out," said Teri Lucas, who now goes on "snake patrol" before letting "the girls" out. Even more worrisome is thinking about what might have happened. Only the weekend before the snake incident occurred, the couple offered neighbors the use of the pool while they were away. The neighbors brought their small grandson, who enjoyed playing in the yard. "It's an alarming thing to us," said Ron Lucas. "It puts a little fright into you." This is the third reported rattlesnake bite incident in the community this year. The first occurred this spring, when a boy was bitten on the foot near Granlees Dam. This summer, a woman who lives in the South was bitten on the ankle by a baby rattlesnake on the pavement outside her home. Here's information about precautions to take and treatment for bites. Rattlesnakes -- avoiding them and dealing with their bite Information on rattlesnakes from the University of California, Davis: What do I do for initial first aid? Because most Californians live in rattlesnake country, a snakebite emergency plan should be developed before it is needed. If you are less than one hour from the nearest emergency room, initial treatment is relatively simple:
What should NOT be done after a rattlesnake bite? Several DON'Ts are very important to remember:
The preceding treatments will NOT help the victim and are dangerous. Applying ice or a tourniquet can block circulation, which can result in gangrene and eventual loss of the limb due to amputation. Cutting the wound can cause excessive bleeding. Because human mouths are full of bacteria, sucking the venom from the wound can cause infection, making treatment more difficult. What can be done to prevent a bite? Hands, feet and ankles are the most common sites for rattlesnake bites. Using some common sense rules can prevent most snakebites. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking in the rough. Always wear hiking boots. Always stay on paths. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where there may be snakes. Use a walking stick when hiking. If you come across a snake, it can strike the stick instead of you. Always look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks or firewood. Always check carefully around stumps or logs before sitting. When climbing, always look before putting your hands in a new location. Snakes can climb walls, trees and rocks and are frequently found at high altitudes. Never grab "sticks" or "branches" while swimming. Rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers. Baby rattlesnakes are poisonous! They can and do bite. Leave them alone. Never hike alone. Always have a buddy to help in case of an emergency. Learn basic life-saving methods. Don't handle fresh killed snakes. You may still be bitten. Never tease a snake to see how far it can strike. You can be several feet from the snake and still be within striking distance. Don't keep rattlesnakes as pets. The majority of rattlesnake bites occur when people (usually intoxicated young men in their 20s) tease or play with their "pet" rattlesnake. Teach children to respect snakes and to leave snakes alone. Curious children who pick up snakes are frequently bitten. Always give
snakes the right of way!
|
|
