Re: RC: Rattlesnakes = discouraged:((

[Terry canavello <canajello@echoweb.net>]

Rattlesnakes are so prevalent in Southern California that our local vet gave a
seminar on rattlesnake first aid for horses. If the horse is bit on an
extremity, ride in at a walk to get help. The horse will be sick, but not
fatally so. The vet pointed out that rattlkesnake venom is meant to kill a 10
pound rabbit, not a  1,000 pound horse.
If a horse gets bit on the nose it is more serious because of the swelling
that can choke off air. This vet recommended carrying one or two 12 to 18 inch
pieces of soft rubber hose (garden hose) to gently insert into the nostrils of
a horse whose face is beginning to swell. The rubber hose can be kept in the
trailer if you can get back to the trailer in a reasonable amount of time. 
Remember you have time to get help before you panic...well, realistically you
will panic immediately, but don't take any drastic action for at least 30
minutes!!! Get help first, do no harm !

Terry - now in Oregon and hopefully OUT of rattlesnake country!!


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=