Copperhead bite, can anything be done ?

[Lamontelle4]

One of my ducks just got bit by a copperhead. Is there anything I can do ?

Sometimes it’s a dry bite and no venom was injected. I have a friend who works with snakes so I have rattlesnake anti venom for my dog. Though non of my birds have never been bitten. I’ve been fortunate that I have never had to deal with a snake bite on any animal before. copper head venom can cause severe damage to tissue around the bite. So if you duck pulls through this then I would pro watch for secondary infections. The only Full proof way to treat a snake bite is to administer anti venom. Though it’s not always available unfortunately. They Basically make anti venom by injecting small amounts of venom into an animal and then collecting the antibodies from the blood of said animal. It’s kinda a long tedious process sometimes.

 

[BroodyCluck]

I hope the duck will be alright. I only say this considering the time that has past. If it hasn't died it seems hopeful it could recover. If you can get quality Tea Tree Oil it may help. It helped me after getting bit 2 times by a copoerhead snake at one time. I went to ER and got a shot and script for antibiotics and pain pills. It continued to flare up. In 3 weeks I still couldn't wear a shoe on that foot. A friend applied Tea Tree Oil once, it cleared up I could wear my shoe very soon after that one application.The next day it was still doing great but she applied it again. Never again did it give problems.

 

[Texag87]

I will look into the tea tree oil. She was still alive when I left for work this morning.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think your duck will be fine. I believe copperhead venom isn't extremely potent.
I know birds are different but my dogs were bitten many times by rattlesnakes and water moccasins. While they swelled a lot, they fully recovered.

 

[Texag87]

I had an old lab get bit on the hip. He was very lethargic for a couple days but when he came out of it he acted a few years younger. It was like it took his joint pain away for a couple weeks

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I had an old lab get bit on the hip. He was very lethargic for a couple days but when he came out of it he acted a few years younger. It was like it took his joint pain away for a couple weeks

Sort of like those folks who take bee stings on purpose to cure some kind of ailment. Or like how people try to use the excuse to get drunk saying a bit of alcohol is good for your body...... perhaps cyanide in low dosages will cure cancer, liver disease, and a broken heart from a failed relationship also?

 

[Studabird]

They may, but they would be wrong. Take advice from trained toxicologists, who specalize in snakebites, not random vets who have little training in this area. https://www.snakebitefoundation.org...ss-for-treating-snakebites-dr-nick-brandehoff

Yeah a snake bite is not an allergic reaction like a bee sting maybe. It is a toxin injected into the body.

 

[Painted Calls]

Bad reactions to snakes bites are typically caused from allergic reactions just like in a bee sting.

I don't know about poultry, but in humans (unless a severe allergic reaction occurs), copperhead bites can often be successfully treated with fluids.

Would sub-q fluids be a good idea? I don't see how it would hurt. Especially if the bird isn't drinking anyway.

 

[Texag87]

I could not find the bite on her leg. It’s swollen a bit and she limps some. Took her out for a flock visit and could not catch her without stressing her. I think she is going to make it.

 

[BigBlueHen53]