Snakes alive: Adder bite incident affecting Stan the spaniel prompts vet warning

Stan was rushed to Galedin Vets in Berwick with a painful, swollen paw that 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 they are walking their pets in heathland, moorland and also woodland areas.

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.

Vet Dr Nevenka Vesligaj, who was part of the team at Galedin Vets 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 that goes to the Jubilee Bridge along the river 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.

“It was very distressing and James set off for Galedin Vets while I called ahead to let them know they were coming.

“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.”