Golden Retriever Fights for Life after Snakebite

On January 27th, an emergency veterinarian in Pasadena admitted a 7-year-old Golden Retriever named Biscuit. He arrived with labored breathing, swollen front legs and visible wounds on his chest – transferred from his primary veterinarian. Biscuit had been bitten by a rattlesnake in the back-yard! Rattlesnake bites require immediate medical care but the venom had been coursing through this poor boy without treatment for two days before he was brought in. His owners were faced with a treatment plan they could not afford or a decision to euthanize him. Thankfully, the vet suggested calling SCGRRescue to see if we would help Biscuit fight for his life. We had to try and hoped that our amazing followers and supporters would help.

After three days at the emergency vet, Biscuit had not stabilized. It was still touch and go. His liver and kidney values went from bad to worse. He was extremely lethargic. It was too late to administer antivenom which must be administered quickly as it typically has no effect if given more than 48hrs after the bite. We watched the effects of the venom in horror. Hemotoxins target tissue and blood; causing hemorrhaging and necrosis (killing off tissue). As these hemotoxins moved through Biscuit’s body, the skin across his chest turned black. It was a visible progression as the tissue succumbed. Heavy-duty medications kept his pain manageable. The vet advised us that if he could get through this, it would still be a long journey. Biscuit would need multiple surgeries to remove the necrotic (dead) tissue that would begin falling off. He would probably need skin grafts to try to close and heal the wounds. But first, Biscuit had to fight for his life!

If he was going to fight, we were going to stick with him! We contacted our amazing vet group in Los Angeles to have him transferred. As luck would have it, Dr. Youngblood just happened to be a snakebite specialist – she had saved 148 snakebite dogs in her career so far! She was determined to save Biscuit. Our hope was renewed.

Once he arrived at AMC/VCA Biscuit was started on plasma right away. His new regimen included an IV, antibiotics, pain meds and cold laser treatments. There was a sliver of good news: Biscuit’s clinical signs started to improve. Swelling on his leg went down 80%. His protein and platelets were still low, but clotting factors were almost normal. His urine, which was almost brown the day before, returned to yellow which meant his bilirubin (liver) was beginning to stabilize. But Biscuit was refusing to eat – not even the roasted chicken, hot dogs and baby food that one of our volunteers brought him. Additional nutrients were added to his IV fluids for support. We continued the plasma units and multiple laser treatments each day.

Within a few days, Biscuit started licking at food while his blood work and edemas continued to improve. The vet hospital staff were falling in love with him and he was getting plenty of attention. Then he started eating small amounts of hand-fed chicken. We were cautiously optimistic. He began walking out to potty with a pep in his step and a wagging tail. His Bilirubin came down to 2 (from 11 while 1.4 is normal!) and his platelets were getting steadily closer to normal range. Dr. Youngblood finally felt he was out of the woods. On Valentine’s Day, an SCGRR volunteer was able to take Biscuit for a walk outside. While still frail, he was happy to be out smelling and marking everything. Our hearts filled with joy that this amazing pup had fought so hard.

Biscuit remains hospitalized but is doing well. He’s definitely a different dog since we first met him - two days after a rattlesnake bite. Biscuit will be having his first surgery tomorrow. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Send him positive, healing vibes. He’s been through so much and we are incredibly grateful for all of your support. Without our community, we could not help dogs like Biscuit. He is one expensive case, but we know he is worth it. We will not share the most graphic photos with you as they are really hard to look at. Stay tuned for more updates on Biscuit's recovery.