Steph M Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 http://yhoo.it/NVbCmh A Coburg dog owner has been left counting the cost after his beloved beagle was bitten by a Tiger snake. Lachlan Scully paid the price of a new car - almost $23,000 - to keep one-year-old Pierre alive. The playful pup was struck by a tiger snake while out for a walk a fortnight ago. The venom took hold quickly and the pooch fell into a coma. "His tongue was blue, there was blood coming out of his mouth," Lachlan said. Lachlan rushed Pierre to an animal emergency clinic in Essendon where he spent the next 11 days. "I just said 'do whatever you can'. As long as he wasn't going to give up, I wasn't going to give up." Pierre's life support and 24-hour care cost almost $2,000 a day, while medication, blood tests, and IV fluids helped push the final bill up to more than $23,000. The law student has been forced to fundraise to help cover the costs, but he does not have any regrets. "They're basically like a family member and you'd do anything for them," he said. Pierre is just one of the dogs needing life-saving treatment, including blood transfusions for infections, stomach bugs or ongoing care after surgery. The Canine Blood Bank is where the red blood cells and plasma comes from. It is calling for potential donors to help sick or injured dogs. For more information on the University of Melbourne's Canine Blood Bank email: mailto:[email protected] The blood bank is located at the University of Melbourne's Werribee Campus: 205 Princes Highway Werribee. Phone: 03 9731 23 28 You can donate to Pierre's cause by visiting his Facebook page or via his fundraising page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 What an expensive habit that is! Hopefully he decides to live the quiet life from now on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I think it's a stretch to say he saved his mates life, no one has ever died from a snake bite where proper and prompt first aid and transport to hospital has been provided(there are a couple of cases where people have died as a result of snake bites in areas where first aid could not be applied such as on the face). I've always said if anyone gets bitten I'd rather it be me than the dogs, at least it's generally a bite to a limb which is easily strapped. Merri Creek is reasonably accessible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 Can you really ever be too cautious about snakes, Snook? Awful things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I agree Snook, I go those places myself during snake season but I leave the dogs behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I have a friend who lives rurally here and her poodle (miniature poodle) has been bitten by a tiger snake 3 times in 12 months.. Two were within 3 months of each other.. Little dude made a full recovery, at huge expense to the owner.. Snake bite treatment is very expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 I often wonder what I'd do, I can only carry 40kg.of dog so far and sometimes we walk for miles. We did 5ks today along the river ages from the road. Would be horrible and Ijust ddon't want to chance it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 Snakes will only bite if they feel threatened, if you must walk in riskier areas keep your dog on a short leash, walk in the centre of the path and keep a good eye out in front of you, especially on the edges of the path. I have been known to carry a thin stick, not for the snake but to rap my dog on the nose if she were to go for the snake, might seem mean but I'd rather pop her softly on the nose with a stick to make her jump back than her continue forwards to the snake. If you do see one just stop, stand still, if the snake hasn't seen you then just move very slowly backwards and walk the other way, if it has seen you then as soon as you stop it should settle and then move away of it's own accord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverStar-Aura Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 I often wonder what I'd do, I can only carry 40kg.of dog so far and sometimes we walk for miles. We did 5ks today along the river ages from the road. Would be horrible and Ijust ddon't want to chance it. I pray you never have to carry your dog for anything like this. When my Zeus passed out cold from a bee sting I had to carry his limp body across the dog park and I was struggling. He only weighed around 13 kilos at the time. It was the most terrifying time of my life and wouldn't wish any similar scenario on any dog owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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