This day changed our lives - the day Toby went from being "just" a rescue dog to Hero Dog. Here is the original FB Post: "Pray for our precious Toby. He protected us by killing a rattlesnake. But, it got him in the face. He's now at the emergency vet. He's being medicated and we're waiting for blood work. Please pray he responds well and pulls through without further issue. He's such a good, precious baby boy who loves his family."
The Story: (See Toby's Story to read about his rescue, Memorial Day weekend 2023.) In keeping with our normal routine, on 9/27/23, Toby, Blue, and I went out for our after-lunch walk in the yard. We went up to all get a pear off of the tree. Toby likes to find allll of the pears in the woods he can find - you know, the ones that were bad or busted that we threw out for the wildlife to eat. After our pear snack, we walk the length of the yard, at the woods line, to the bench in the far corner. This day started out all the same. However, as I walked further, I realized Toby had not come back out in his usual spot. And, he is my forever shadow, so never far away. I called for Toby but heard nothing. Walking down just several yards, and, right near the bench we were headed for, I see Toby flinging a rattlesnake - and, getting bit by it on the muzzle. I immediately start trying to get Toby away from the snake and our other dog, Blue, from going toward it. I picked up the rattle (8 buttons) and headed to vet.
Now - which vet??? I called our vet and was told they do not carry antivenom. So, the only other option was the ER Vet clinic. LESSON - Be sure you know WHERE to go and WHO has the antivenom before you need to know.
How did the vet visit go??? Welp, again I say, LEARN from our story!
Day 1
3pm - Admitted to BluePearl ER Vet - The vet (Vet #1) (a new one every 12 hours) gave us 3 options for Toby - (1) Antivenin, (2) Wait and see what his blood work looks like in 4 hours, or (3) Put him down. I immediately told him to take Option 3 off of the table. Putting down the dog who just saved my life was not an option. So, we went with Option 2 - we waited 4 hours to see how his levels had changed. The clotting time was what we were told was critical. In the meantime, Toby has started on pain meds and given a steroid shot.
7pm - Spoke with Vet #1 - After 4 hours, the lab work showed minimal change. So, again we were given Option 1 and Option 2. Again, we opted for Option 2 - we would wait 4 more hours and rerun the lab work. Again, we weren't told about any other issues that were working on the blood. But, we were told that if the levels increased much and we still wanted to give Antivenin at 11pm, we could do so at that time.
11pm - Yeah - I finally called, after not hearing from the next vet (Vet #2) - she informed me that Toby's levels were off the chart. I immediately asked for the Antivenin shot to be administered. However, the second vet of Toby's stay almost killed him when she abruptly told me that it was too late, the antivenom would not work. And, that he would likely need to get a plasma transfusion. Nothing else could be done for him. Needless to say, I was devastated.
*Late Night - The hubs and I went to find the rattlesnake. Remember I said I picked up and took the rattle with me before going to the vet with Toby? Well, when we found the snake, I picked up anooooother rattle. THIS rattle matched the rattlesnake. The snake matching this rattle was not located but is now a rattle-less-snake. And, it turns out TOBY WAS BITTEN 2-3 TIMES BY TWO RATTLESNAKES.
Day 2
7am - Jump forward to 12 hours later when the next vet (Vet #3 - Dr McCann) arrived for 7am duty. She immediately called and told me that Toby's head was swollen to about 3 times its' normal size, was bleeding profusely from the mouth, he was in grave danger, and that I may need to make life-ending decisions by the end of the day if I did not "let" her give Antivenin. Wait, what? Let her? Yup, that's what she said. When I told her what Vet #2 said, she paused, looked back at Toby's chart, and started profusely apologizing for being told information that directly contradicts what they are taught in Vet school. Antivenin IMMEDIATELY is best but it IS still effective for 48 hours (obviously earlier is much more effective and eliminates other side effects of the venom). Also, transfusions do NOT work and, in fact, can make it worse. Same goes for the steroid shot administered at admission - steroids actually make things worse! So, ALL THAT infuriates me! Thankfully, Dr McCann immediately began administering Antivenin and is well educated on snake bites.
9am - Dr McCann called to say Toby was vastly improved and his head had gone down 6 cm in size! There is HOPE.
11am - Dr McCann said Toby's levels were going back up and his head had increased by 4 cm. So, we opted for a second dose of Antivenin. Dr McCann also informed me that Toby's records indicate that his rear feet had started knuckling under within the first few hours, despite not being told about it. Each time I hear from her, she tells me what a sweet and amazing boy Toby is and he is praying for him, as well. What a blessing to finally have a vet CARE like she does.
1pm - Next report was very positive! Levels are still dangerously high but are beginning to come back down, bleeding from the mouth has slowed and changed to bright red, and Toby is more alert and breathing is not as labored.
3pm - Blood work indicates that the levels are not continuing to come down like we had hoped. So, one more dose of Antivenin was administered.
5pm - IT WORKED! The final dose of Antivenin saw Toby turn the corner. My HERO boy is going to make it! He has a long road to recovery, still needs 24 hour care and fluids, mouth is still bleeding, rear feet still knuckling, BUT, he has made it (with lots of help) the half dozen or so steps it took to go pee outside and he is finally able to roll over on to his side. All such wonderful improvements and absolute answers to prayer! Now, Dr McCann's next concern is that, despite there being two nurses there all night, no vet will be at the clinic overnight. She provided the option of transferring Toby to the hospital in Columbia, SC, but I believed, 100%, that Toby was going to be fine. So, he stayed at BluePearl.
7pm - Check-in with Dr McCann was again a positive report. She assured me that the next vet is a trusted colleague who will continue with the same treatment plan.
Day 3
7am - Dr Flippo (Vet #4) arrived and called after evaluating Toby. She also apologized for the fact that Toby's treatment was delayed due to the incorrect info/lack of treatment provided on Day 1. But, after hearing the reports, was amazed at Toby's determination to live and his ever-SWEET personality. Toby truly has become everybody's FAVORITE patient! Toby will continue to receive IV fluids and pain meds. His head size has gone down greatly, he is far more alert, and getting up to drink water and asking to go outside (again, with help) to go pee.
1pm - I finally go to visit my boy!!! It broke my heart to not be with him yesterday. So, today's visit was long and meant so much! Seeing the reality of his condition was quite startling, though. He stands (wobbles) on the tops of his feet to get water, fills the bowl with blood when he drinks, and shivers a lot. But, when he saw his Mommy, that sweet tail started wagging, those ears perk up beautifully, and I saw the "I've got this" determination in his precious eyes. Every staff member on duty came to say how much they love Toby and that he is just THE BEST patient. I was able to meet Dr Flippo, who sat down on the floor to talk with me while I was in the run with Toby. Again, someone amazed by and praying for this incredible hero dog. Vet #2 is to be in the clinic overnight and I have been assured that she will NOT alter Toby's treatment plan.
Day 4
7am - Dr McCann (Vet #3) says Toby is ready to go home today! So, what all will I need to be prepared? Pee pads and a sling are gonna be a must. His memory foam bed as close to the back door as possible and, thankfully, we already have a ramp installed, cause we're gonna need it.
5pm - READY TO GO HOME. Dr McCann has been amazed that Toby has survived. Now, however, the issue is whether or not he will be able to walk on his own, ever again. His head is still remarkably huge, he is still bleeding from his mouth, he can't walk or even stand on his own, he can't eat anything crunchy and does not want to eat much of anything, anyway. He will get lots of bone broth and loves. More than anything, Toby says that the best healing medicine is HOME and FAMILY.
WE ARE SO GLAD TOBY IS HOME. He was already our rescue marshmallow bully. Now, he's also our hero. He has lots of healing to do but he is TOBY TOUGH.
A FEW take away LESSONS - Be prepared with your own Rattlesnake Ready plan. First, know where to go - who carries the antivenom! Second, know how you're going to pay. Third, once you get to the vet, insist on the antivenom be given immediately. Do NOT let them give you options that might delay the start of antivenom. Antivenom is effective for up to 48 hours, though it is less effective as time progresses.
Your fur baby can make it through a rattlesnake bite (or 2 or 3) and you can help increase that they will survive without complication. Be alert and be prepared. Blessings, y'all!
Toby = Tobias = Ya is Good
Be sure to follow Toby's journey on social media.
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