Dog survives bite by poisonous snake in Ilkley

The four-year-old was playing in his back garden when he suddenly yelped and collapsed but his owner had no idea it was a snake bite.

It was initially treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories but Otis began to swell and the wound got worse.

Samples were sent off for testing and revealed that he had suffered a poisonous snake bite.

Eventually around 20 per cent of his skin died and had to be removed and he underwent skin grafts.

Three months after the incident in Ilkley, Otis is now recovering well to the delight of his female owner, who has asked not to be named.

“Otis was so close to dying and it was a very worrying time for us all,” she said.

“He was very poorly, but the vets were determined to do everything to keep him alive.

“They did a brilliant job and have done for the last three months. Thankfully he’s back to the old Otis we love, bouncing around and outgoing.”

Vet Anne MacGregor, practice manager at Ashlands Veterinary Centre in Ilkley, said: “Otis could have died, it is as simple as that.

“He was under intensive care with us every day just to replace the lost protein and fluid from the dead skin.”

Otis was treated by vet Andy MacGregor who said he had never seen a reaction like it during his 22 years’ experience.