A veterinarian in Santa Clarita is talking about pets and rattlesnake bites as the prevalence of snakes continues to rise along with the temperatures this summer.

Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto of Cinema Veterinary Centre noted that both dogs and cats are at risk of getting bit by rattlesnakes, though the location of the bites tend to be different. 

“(Dogs) usually end up getting bit because they’re curious and they hear something, and they maybe stick their face in a bush or under something,” Ronchetto said, noting that this tends to lead to bites on the face, neck or lower body. “The few that I’ve seen with cats, it’s on their paws because the cats are the ones batting at the snake that they think is a toy.”

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While it is possible for a baby snake’s bite to cause a more severe reaction because they can’t control the amount of venom they release like an adult snake, Ronchetto continued that “all scenarios” are dangerous when it comes to rattlesnake bites.

If a pet owner doesn’t see the bite occur, Ronchetto noted that, depending on where the pet was bit, they may be limping, have facial swelling, or appear suddenly very lethargic and sick. 

“They can present in all sorts of different ways,” she said. “Obviously it’s best if you can actually see the bite or if you saw what happened, then that sort of takes the guessing game out of things, but sometimes you just come rushing in because your pet is all of a sudden acutely ill and you don’t know what happened.” 

Ronchetto encouraged pet owners who suspect or know that their pet has been bit by a rattlesnake to seek immediate veterinary treatment. 

“In any instance, if you find your pet has been bit, you want to get them treated right away,” she said. “It is a medical emergency, because the sooner we get treatment and potentially anti-venom in them, the better the outcome.”

Ed. Note: This article is a KHTS Feature story based on a recent radio interview with Cinema Veterinary Centre. 

Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto, DVM, is a Santa Clarita veterinarian who opened her own veterinary hospital in Valencia after spending several years in private practice as an associate veterinarian at other SCV hospitals. Ronchetto and the staff at Cinema Veterinary Centre strive to give every dog, cat and pocket pet outstanding quality care in the areas of medicine and surgery. A Hart High School graduate, Ronchetto earned her BS degree from UC Davis and graduated with Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Those looking for a veterinarian in Santa Clarita or a “veterinarian near me” can contact Cinema Vet today for more information. 

Cinema Veterinary Centre
23460 Cinema Drive
Valencia, CA 91355

(661) 253-9300

Cinema Veterinary Centre – Valencia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcDHR3jaUe8&feature=youtu.be

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