We would like to share this brief story in the hope that others can learn. It was interesting to note that no information could be found on the web sites or printed materials from the ALSA or RMLA (at least none that we could locate in our haste of that morning this tragedy occurred).  You would think there would be more information available on this topic.

WebMaster was bitten by a rattlesnake sometime between 6-7am on August 13th.  Prior to 6am he was casually observed with no symptoms.  At about 7:15am we noticed the swelling on his face as we were doing our morning rounds of animal feeding.  The symptoms rapidly deteriorated with the venom causing bloating around the head area and affecting the more sensitive areas, including the eyes (the left of which swelled shut and excreted a bloody discharge), nasal mucus membranes bleeding and lower lip of the mouth.  Eventually the venom encompassed all of the head, upper neck and traveled into the chest and lung cavity, as his condition deteriorated.

Upon the advice of a number Veterinarians, we began an aggressive treatment of Steroids (dexamethasone), administered intramuscular (at the rear leg muscle), Antibiotics (Penicillin) and anti-inflammatory (banamine) administered subcutaneous at the left and right front shoulders. This continued throughout the day in measured doses prescribed by the veterinarians.   The Steroids included only two doses 4 hours apart, in conjunction with the Antibiotics (Penicillin).  The theory was to get an initial high load into his system so that the bloated areas, which were getting a reduced blood flow would receive some of the Antibiotics.

Unfortunately the severity of the bite overcame him and he passed away by 8pm that evening.  It is possible that a more aggressive treatment including IV fliuds and anti-venom administered at a large animal hospital could have possibly made some difference, but antidotal information from the Veterinarians involved indicated that less than 25% of Llamas with a head bite survive.  Given the initial damage to his head, including eyes, nostrils and mouth, we take slight comfort that this may have been for the better.  Had he survived, he may have well been blinded for life along with other unknown complications.

We were grateful for the advice and help of Leon Anderson of Elizabeth Animal Clinic, Kim Gardner of Monument and Tim Thomson of Town and Country in Longmont.  We further appreciate the support of our good friends Phil & Teri of Broken Windmill Ranch.