Minimizing Stress in Feline Patients

While we all enter this field with the goal of helping patients, it soon becomes apparent that not all of our patients want or appreciate our help! Many pets become stressed in the veterinary hospital, and this stress can be especially pronounced in cats.  Not only is stress unpleasant for our patients, it can make…

Coral Snake Envenomation

Coral Snake Envenomation

Coralsnake envenomation is an uncommon but very dangerous occurrence throughout the southern United States. Coralsnakes are in the family Elapidae with other snakes such as cobras, kraits, and sea snakes; they are the only elapids native to North America. As with pit vipers, envenomations can range from mild to severe. However, unlike most pit vipers,…

Pit Viper Envenomation

Pit Viper Envenomation

Pit viper envenomation is a common emergency throughout a large portion of the United States. Pit vipers are snakes in the family Crotalinae and include rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. Envenomations may range from mild to severe. Dry bites—where no venom is injected—can occur, but are rare and happen in fewer than 15% of cases. This…