Eight weeks ago my 98lb American Bulldog "Cookie" was bitten on the mouth by a rattle snake at Lakemead at 7am. On my cellphone I immediately started calling my Vet and other veterinary facilities for help. All four facilities I called told me "don't bring her here, we don't have the anti-venom: take her to the animal hospital on the Westside of town!" I repeated "I'm at Lakemead, I will never get there in time."
The receptionist at Animal Kindness Veterinary Hospital (where I board my dogs) call me back stating "Keith I miss your call what can I do for you?" I explained what happen and she said Dr. Holt has seen snake bites before, bring Cookie in and we will do our best. When I arrived the facility was not open, but they opened their door for us. Dr. Holt stated they don't have anti-venom either but, they have had other snake bite cases and would help Cookie. He also stated if anti-venom is needed it would cost $1000 per unit, but hopefully Cookie would not need it.
2 hours later, Cookie's face/head had swollen twice it's normally size. She was drooling and didn't look very well ( I have pics). However, Dr. Holt told me she was stable, but the next 24 hours will indicate if she will be alright.
Dr. Holt called me the following day and Cookie was ok!!!!! Please note what scared me the most during this crisis was the fact that all the other Vet's said " don't bring her here". I thought "if they can't help what will I do???"
All the Animal Kindness Veterinary Hospital staff were and stayed professional from start to finish. They calmed me down. Took control of Cookie and made her better (saved her life). Thank you!!!!!!