New Forest: Dog suffers two adder bites at Setley Plain

The first incident occurred in May 2023 when Gordon Jamison and his wife were taking Ru for a walk on Setley Plain, near Brockenhurst.

Ru suddenly leapt backwards and later appeared to be a "bit down".

The couple put it down to the hot weather, but by the time they arrived home the large crossbreed's face was badly swollen.

Ru recovering at home from one of his snake bites (Image: Gordon Jamison)

Gordon took him to Seadown Veterinary Services in Hythe for treatment and observation. Soon after returning home, he was told the swelling had increased and two fang marks were visible on the dog's muzzle.

Ru went on to make a full recovery but was bitten again last month - also on Setley Plain.

Gordon said: "We'd been up there a little while and Ru had disappeared off into the bushes. A short time later he came along the path and I saw straight away he wasn't happy. His head was down and he was shaking.

"I immediately checked his face and muzzle but couldn't see anything.

"Then I noticed blood on his left hind paw and on closer inspection I saw another one and knew he had probably been bitten by an adder."

Ru is now fit and well after recovering from his second snake bite (Image: Gordon Jamison)Gordon and Ru walked back to the car and embarked on another journey to Hythe, by which time the dog's paw was swelling.

The dog was examined by Seadown vet Katie Wood and treated at the surgery's hospital.

Head nurse Laura Isacc said: "This involved administering intravenous pain relief, antihistamine, and antibiotics. Cold therapy was applied to the affected area, and he was closely monitored.

"Fortunately in Ru's case, anti-venom was not required."

Gordon, of New Milton, said: "Ru is too big for me to carry a long distance, so we had a slow walk back to the car, with me trying to reassure him."

Some dog walkers carry Piriton anti-histamine tablets.

Gordon said: "I do have some in my car but my key concern getting to a vet. Ru was very upset and visibly shaking. The idea of trying to give a pill to a dog that was already traumatised didn't enter my head.

"An adder pack, or carrying Piriton with me, may be a better idea."

In a message to other dog owners he added: "Don't panic and don't let our pet think you're in a panic. Just get to a vet as soon as you possibly can."