If you live
or hike in areas that are prone to Rattlesnakes you should keep
the following supplies on hand. If your llama should happen to get
bitten,
quick treatment is necessary. Supplies include:
Steroids (dexamethasone) for swelling
Antibiotics (Penicillin)
Anti-inflammatory (banamine)
Clear tubing 2-3ft length; 3/8 or 1/2 I.D
The following was reported by Bobra Goldsmith:
"Sandy Mubarack of Southern California has saved 13 (!) llamas
from rattlesnake bites successfully. In order to prevent a
llama that is bitten on the head or neck area from suffocating, a
breathing tube should be insert down the nostril. It is
recommended that flexible tubing with 3/8 in. interior dimension
and 5/8 in. exterior size be used and it should be at least 2ft
long.
The tubing is clear, like what a vet uses. Also, it must to
rounded at the end where it was cut at the store--so that the edge
isn't sharp. And one of the things Sandy has indicated is
that all her animals did eat and drink. All but two were on
their feet all the time. The other two she propped up in
sternal position with bales and put another bale under their heads
while they were kushed. The important thing was to keep them
eating and drinking to dilute and flush the toxins as well as the
IV from their system. After the tube is inserted
in the nostril the excess should be passed up between the ears and
fastened on with duct tape. Her vet puts the llama on IV and
the animal is kept calm. From
Travis LaDuc, a herpetologist at UT Austin: He drew some
rough sketches of three styles of effective
snake traps (51K).
Additional information and stories can be found at Mesquite
Bean Llamas, from which some of this information originated, including the
note below about Antivenin.
From Karen Conyngham: Spoke with a representative from Ft. Dodge (800-477-1365) where
the polyvalent snake antivenin is produced. Only licensed
veterinarians can purchase and dispense antivenin. It has a shelf
life of 12-18 months, costs $173 per 10ml vial, and should be
stored at room temp, not to exceed 98 degrees. It is a very
intensive product to make and cannot be mass produced like the
vaccines. Encourage your vet to call Professional Services at Ft.
Dodge and have a vial on hand for emergencies. Ft. Dodge has a
replacement policy on all of their products: thus unused antivenin
can be returned to them within 120 days after the expiration date
on the label and they will send a fresh product.
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