Snake bitten dog survives

Antivenin, lots of love save Tavares dog after snake bite

TAVARES — Cali, a Labrador/Shar-Pei mix, looked like a manatee when she was admitted into the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital with a potentially deadly snake bite.

The 3-year-old dog puffed up dramatically due to a reaction from being bitten by what was likely an Eastern diamondback rattler, the largest venomous snake on the continent, and had to fight for her life. When she finally arrived home after two weeks in intensive care and multiple surgeries, a tongue-wagging Cali bounced out of the back of the family's SUV and immediately began sniffing around familiar territory.

"She's ready to go exploring again," said Connie Schmitt, 45, as she snapped pictures of Friday's homecoming. It was a special moment for Schmitt; her husband, Mike; and their four boys at home, who weren't sure their first dog would survive.

"A lot of doctors didn't think she was going to make it," said Michael Schmitt, 15. "She's been a really cool, awesome dog. She's part of the family, you know."

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-21/news/os-dog-survives-snake-bite-20120721_1_antivenin-snake-bites-dog