My chihuahua was bitten by a rattlesnake (UPDATE & NEW QUESTION)?

My chihuahua was bitten couple of days ago and ended up in the ER. After two days of treatment, he seems to be doing well. The swelling on his face has gone down but they won't let him leave until he eats. He hasn't eaten in two days.





So anyone know why he isn't eating? Is it all the drugs they gave him or maybe just the shock of being caged for the first time in his life? Gonna go visit him today to see if maybe he'll eat when he sees a familiar face.





Also, does he have to be on antibiotics after he comes home? What other drugs?





So glad that he's alive......

My chihuahua was bitten by a rattlesnake (UPDATE %26amp; NEW QUESTION)?
One of the proteins in rattle snake venom is a neurotoxin. Since gastric system is controlled by nerves it may take awhile for him to feel hungry and any food he eats may end up blocking his gastric tract. Let the vet feed him through his veins for as long as it takes for him to begin eating. He will eat when he is ready. Best of luck for a speedy recovery.
Reply:Incredible its still alive!!! Snake venom causes "necrosis". Necrosis is a fancy term for "death of tissue". Not knowing how deeply the fangs injected the venom, the brain could be swollen, he is in much pain... animals who are in pain won't eat. Ask the vet:


1. has he had pain meds?


2.What does xrays show?


3. What particularly has the vet done for treatment?


4. Antibiotics MIGHT be ordered, to counteract the necrosis.. dead tissue rots, often forming a general over all toxicity. Puppers is NOT out of the woods yet. Do carry every known type of his food with you AND an article of clothing you have worn but not washed,(that you can afford to throw away) so you can leave it with him to help him feel safer in a strange place. Best WISHES for you both!
Reply:It is probably a combination of the two. The meds %26amp; being caged for the first time. He may miss you too. That can make a dog not eat. Bet he will when you go see him. Most likely he will have to be on antibiotics for a week or so after he comes home. Not sure what else he will have to take if anything. I'm glad he's alive too.
Reply:There could be a number of reasons why he is not eating. Poor baby. His face may not be as swollen but I bet it still hurts. Do they have him on a feeding tube?
Reply:I would think, yes he needs to be on antibiotics, %26amp; since he's not eating, I'd contact the vet %26amp; from here, looks like he needs to be on vitamins, too.





http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8%26amp;...
Reply:He probably still is not feeling well. Give him boiled chicken brests cut up with pasta or rice and some of his kibble
Reply:take a packet of ham up to the vets with you and try to tempt him with it, he probably just misses you and his home
Reply:Only your vet can tell you what drugs he might have to be on. He may not be eating because he is terrified. Your visit will most likely help.
Reply:well, if a little bity dog like a chihua got bit my a rattlesnake then it probably wont feel good for atleast a couple of days, but i would take it out of the cage and feed it, so be very kind and patient to it, it may take time!!