[Animals] What to do if a black widow spider bites your dog or cat

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Pets can be exposed to an attack inside the home while staying in the garden or in small places

The black widow spider is classified as one of the most dangerous arachnid species, because its bite can be up to 15 times more lethal than that of a rattlesnake. Although their attacks can usually be towards people, there are also cases in which they attack pets in the home, so it is important to know what to do if this happens.
Dogs and cats are used to playing in the garden and in the most hidden places in the home, so they are exposed to the dangers that can be found there, the most frequent being the bite of an insect.
The hooded spider, as the black widow is also known, has been able to adapt to urban climates, so it is possible that your furry friend could come across one of them during their antics inside the house.

Although there are few times that this scenario can occur, it is important to know that cases do occur, so we tell you what is the most effective way to act if you suspect that your dog or cat was attacked by a specimen of the arachnid.

What to do if your dog or cat is bitten
According to the specialized veterinary medium Mederi Lab, dogs and cats can suffer a toxic effect if they are attacked by a black widow spider, which is caused by a toxin known as alpha-latrotoxin, which induces the release of neurotransmitters. in the nerve terminals, especially in the excess release of dopamine, glutamate, enkephalins, norepinephrine and ACh.

At the presynaptic membrane, the toxin can become irreversibly bound to the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, potentially interfering with endocytosis of the vesicular membranes.

In addition, the venom is capable of destroying the local motor nerve endings in just 24 hours, with full recovery over the next 8 days. In case you suspect that your furry friend has been bitten by a black widow spider, it is recommended to immediately take him to a veterinarian so that he can be administered the recommended antivenom, which will provide rapid relief of clinical signs, within 30 minutes. to your application.

The medicine must be diluted in 100 ml of saline solution, which will depend on the size of the affected person and its application will be intravenous, between 30 minutes and an hour. During treatment, anaphylactic reactions should be monitored since in the event of fever, tachycardia, hyperemia or some other discomfort, its application will have to be suspended.

How to detect if my pet was bitten
Signs of poisoning appear within the first eight hours prior to the bite, usually regional numbness, progressive muscle pain and cramps, as well as frequent abdominal stiffness.

In such a way that, your pet could be very restless due to how painful the symptoms could be, in addition to the previous signs, vomiting and diarrhea could appear as systemic signs. Cats are more sensitive to the venom toxin, presenting paralytic signs that can present immediately after the bite, which have a mortality rate of 85%.

Commonly, pain, vocalization, excessive salivation and restlessness are the most characteristic signs of poisoning. Remembering that there is no conclusive test for the bite to be diagnosed, so the owners must be alert to the symptoms that may appear.

 

https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2023/06/07/que-hacer-si-una-arana-viuda-negra-muerde-a-tu-perro-o-gato/