Warning issued after dog bitten by venomous snake in Borders

Stan was rushed to a branch of Galedin Vets with a swollen paw which left him yelping in pain following a walk along the banks of Eye Water in Ayton.

When he was examined at the practice, vets suspected he had been bitten by an adder – the only venomous snake in the UK – and found tell-tale puncture marks on one of his front paws.

The veterinary team injected Stan with anti-venom to counteract the effects of the bite, placed him on fluids and transferred him to their 24-hour hospital in Galashiels for overnight care.

He went on to make a complete recovery.

But Galedin Vets is now warning dog owners to be extra vigilant when walking their dogs in heathland, moorland and woodland areas in the Borders.

Vet Dr Nevenka Vesligaj, who was part of the team that treated Stan, said: “He had a very swollen and painful leg and was quite poorly when he came in. When his leg was clipped, we could see what was happening and we saw the puncture wound.

“Bites in the earlier part of the spring and summer are particularly painful as the venom is more potent as the adder has emerged from hibernation.

“The anti-venom is imported from Eastern Europe and we stock it at the practice. It is given intravenously and we’ve treated a few dogs this way and they have recovered well.”

Stan’s owners Leanne and James Wilson, who live in Ayton, were shocked to hear their much-loved pet’s injury was an adder bite.

James had taken him on his favourite walk at the Jubilee Bridge along the River Eye at Ayton and let him off the lead to run and play.

Leanne said: “When he returned home, Stan’s foot had swollen to twice the size and he was very uncomfortable and yelped when he was touched.

“He was pretty poorly and we were very worried about him as we thought he might lose his leg, but the care he received at Galedin Vets was second to none. They were amazing in how they treated him and even when we brought him home they gave us great advice and reassurance over the phone.

“He’s absolutely fine now but we’re a little reluctant to let him off the lead in case he disturbs another nest which is such a shame.”

Adders are recognisable by a dark zigzagging line down their back, and a V or X shaped marking on the head, but lurk in the undergrowth.

Dogs running around in the undergrowth and disturbing nests are particularly at risk, and there is a marked peak of pets or livestock being bitten by adders in July and August.

Advice from vets:

• Keep your dog close to you or on a lead around areas known for adders
• Keeping calm if you think your dog has been bitten will help you and your dog
• Call your vet immediately, and if possible, carry your pet to stop the venom from spreading
• Bathe an obvious wound in cold water to prevent swelling
• Try to keep your pet calm and make your way to the vets
• Don’t attempt first aid as squeezing or handling of the bite area you could make it worse