09/29/2026
Meet our Patient of the Month, Royal! Royal is a sweet 3-year-old Pit Bull mix who recently came to our Mission Emergency team after her owners witnessed something no pet owner wants to see: a copperhead snake bite directly to her face.
Royal’s owners saw the snake bite the left side of her snout and promptly brought her to our Mission hospital. When she arrived, ER veterinarian, Dr. Alex Thorn, found visible puncture wounds near her left nostril along with significant swelling that extended from her muzzle down toward her neck and chest.
Although snake bites can sometimes appear to be localized injuries, venomous bites can cause much more serious complications. Dr. Thorn discussed these risks with Royal’s family, including tissue damage, clotting abnormalities, kidney injury, abnormal heart rhythms, shock, and other systemic effects. The decision was made to hospitalize Royal for treatment and close monitoring.
Royal received one vial of antivenom, IV fluids, pain medications, and supportive care while our team continuously monitored her heart rhythm, vital signs, and the progression of her swelling. Her bloodwork and clotting times were also monitored closely for evidence that the venom was affecting her system.
Throughout her hospitalization, Royal was cared for by Dr. Alex Thorn and Dr. Alyssa Burcham. Despite the impressive swelling along the left side of her face and neck, Royal remained stable. Her repeat clotting tests stayed within normal limits, she ate breakfast the following morning, and her team determined she was ready to continue recovering at home.
The team noted how Royal was an absolute sweetheart through it all, even when her sore face made examinations and medications a little uncomfortable. We are so happy to see this sweet girl recover and return home to her loving family.💙
🐍 Snake Bite Awareness for Pet Owners
Royal’s story is also an important reminder that venomous snake bites are veterinary emergencies. If you see or suspect that your pet has been bitten, seek veterinary care promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.
Swelling, pain, and bruising can occur around the bite, but more serious complications can include abnormal bleeding, tissue damage, kidney or lung injury, abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, collapse, and shock. Some tissue damage can also be delayed for several days, even when a pet otherwise appears to be improving.
