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Cats twice as likely to survive snakebites than dogs
Cats in the study were twice as likely to survive being bitten by a snake than dogs.
Scientists investigate the reasons behind high survival rate.

Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered that cats are twice as likely to survive a venomous snakebite than dogs.

In a study published in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, scientists compared the effects of different snake venoms on the blood clotting agents in cats and dogs.

They found that while only 32 per cent of dogs can survive being bitten by an eastern brown snake without antivenom, cats were twice as likely to survive at 66 per cent.

Even with antivenom treatment, cats have a significantly higher survival rate, but until now the reasons for this were unknown.

Using a coagulation analyser, researchers tested the effects of eastern brown snake venom, in addition to 10 additional venoms found around the world, on dog and cat plasma in the lab.

They found that all venoms acted faster on dog plasma than cat or human, suggesting that dogs would likely enter a state where blood clotting fails sooner, and are therefore more vulnerable to these snake venoms.

“The spontaneous clotting time of the blood – even without venom – was dramatically faster in dogs than in cats,” said lead author Professor Bryan Fry. “This suggests that the naturally faster clotting blood of dogs makes them more vulnerable to these types of snake venoms.”

Snakebite is a common occurrence for pet owners across the world and it can be fatal. This is in part due to a condition called ‘venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy', where an animal loses its ability to clot blood and sadly bleeds to death.

In Australia alone, the eastern brown snake alone is responsible for an estimated 76 per cent of reported domestic pet snakebites each year.

The researchers hope their insights can lead to a better awareness of the critically short time window to get treatment for dogs envenomed by snakes.

“As dog lovers ourselves, this study strikes close to home but it also has global implications,” said Dr Fry. “I’ve had two friends lose big dogs to snakebites, dying in less than ten minutes even though the eastern brown snakes responsible were not particularly large specimens.

“This underscores how devastatingly fast and fatal snake venom can be to dogs.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.