On Monday 25 September, Lily Pamintuan, a 10 year chihuahua pomeranian cross presented at Greencross Vet Hospital at the University of Melbourne after having been bitten by a tiger snake.
It was a warm sunny day. Lily had gone out in the garden to go to the toilet, when Gemma Pamintuan’s (Lily’s owner) father heard Lily barking at something which turned out to be a metre long tiger snake.
Lily didn’t make any noise, but Gemma’s dad bought her inside and she immediately ran to Gemma. Lily lay on the bed for a while, but when she stood up, she collapsed, went to stand up again and collapsed again.
Gemma rushed Lily to her closest emergency vet which was Greencross Vet Hospital at the University of Melbourne, calling ahead so that the team were prepared with the antivenom when they arrived, and Lily could be taken straight in for treatment.
“The team at Greencross Vet Hospital were really caring. One of the nurses sat with me providing support while I filled out the paperwork. Not long after we had arrived Dr Liam came out to give me an update and reassured me that I did get to her in time,” said Gemma.
Lily received snake antivenom, and after 48-hours of hospitalisation, was discharged on Wednesday 28 September.
“Lily’s recovery will take about four weeks; her bloods are all clear and she still has two droopy eyes that haven’t gone away yet, but her recovering is going well,“ said Gemma.
Gemma’s advice to other pet owners in relation to snakes is to be on the lookout.
“Definitely be alert especially around bushland areas as most of the time snakes are looking for shelter. Be very aware and if you have any decking or gaps in fences, it’s a great spot for snakes to hide, dogs are curious as they will approach not realising that they could be in danger.”
