Billy was bitten by an adder in Thetford Forest.
Dog bitten by adder in Thetford Forest
By REBECCA GOUGH
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
9:22 AM
The owners of a dog left critically ill after being bitten by an adder in Thetford Forest have warned others to tread carefully when walking near long grass.
Zoe Arthur and Clayton Quintin had to take their whippet, Billy, to the vet earlier this month when his back leg swelled to twice its size, later returning when it turned black and puncture wounds appeared.
The dog was kept in for observation but later that night his breathing worsened and he was taken to a specialist unit at Potters Bar in Hertfordshire.
Billy was lucky, however, and the next morning he was taken out of intensive care and after a further four days the couple were able to take him home.
Ms Arthur, a secretary from Brighton, who was holidaying with her partner, a handyman, near Thetford Forest, on August 2 when the incident happened, said: “With hindsight, instead of walking ahead and sniffing around, he walked close by so it probably happened quite early on in the walk.
“I’d say to other people to just be aware and if the dog is limping after a walk, examine him well.”
The seven-year-old whippet has now made a full recovery.
“It’s a miracle really – it was the worst weekend of my life,” Ms Arthur added.
“I think we will keep him away from long grass now, although you don’t want wrap your dog in cottonwool, and we will stay away from breeding grounds for snakes - we later found out Thetford Forest is known for them.”
Other Environment Articles
- Photo gallery: Bishop’s Garden a ‘gift that deserves to be enjoyed’ in Norwich
- Broads festival ends with green boat show at Salhouse
- Bishop’s Garden a ‘gift that deserves to be enjoyed’ in Norwich
- Hopes for UK’s greenest building to be built in Norwich are approved
- Norfolk Energy firms to invest £200m in the east of the region
- North Norfolk District Council to challenge Bodham wind turbine go-ahead in high court
- Sharp increase in litter on Norfolk and Suffolk’s beaches
Most Read News Stories See all
Facebook appeal for blackspot action after man killed on A47 at Scarning, near Dereham
Nearly 3,000 people have supported a Facebook campaign demanding safety improvements on the A47 near Dereham set up after the latest fatal crash.
- Name of man who died at Castle Mall shopping centre in Norwich is confirmed
- The Force steps in: Sci-fi fans turn to the dark side in clash at Norwich Star Wars convention
- Four seriously injured after crash in Norwich
- Tributes left to man who died at Castle Mall in Norwich
- Letter in full: Ofsted express “considerable concern” following inspection of 28 Norfolk schools
ADVERTISEMENT
7 comments
Rather than treading carefully the trick might be to tread rather heavily so that snakes get a warning and get out of the way. Dogs are more difficult, I keep mine on the lead and on the path at Winterton at riskier times, and definitely don't let it poke about in the heather.
Report this comment
Daisy Roots
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Someone was badly bitten by a dog in the High St. on Monday. Haven`t seen a report in any newspaper....... perhaps they`ve adder`nough doggie stories, eh, Mellow_Yellow? ;-)
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Billy looks like he has adder'nough!
Report this comment
Mellow_Yellow
Monday, August 20, 2012
Billy looks like he has adder'nough!
Report this comment
Mellow_Yellow
Monday, August 20, 2012
Billy looks like he has adder'nough!
Report this comment
Mellow_Yellow
Monday, August 20, 2012
Makes a change from hearing about people being savaged by dangerous dogs.
Report this comment
Mad Brewer
Monday, August 20, 2012
my dog sam is now 5 but at 1 year was bitten by an adder at winterton dunes and nearly lost his life.he was given huge doses of anti venom and if he has another snake bite it will kill him.just be aware it can happen especially in september which is nesting season
Report this comment
Helena Webb
Sunday, August 19, 2012