Community rallies to help save Durban dog from mamba bite
Great things happen when people come together.
Living in South Africa comes with many risks.
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While we don't ride around on elephants and lions, some dangerous wildlife can be found in our backyards.
A Durban snake catcher, Jason Arnold, recently did everything he could to save the life of a beloved family dog that had been bitten by a green mamba.
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According to the African Snake Bite Insititute, green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) venom is "considered potentially lethal and is known to have some neurotoxic properties that may affect breathing. However, recent bites have all shown decent swelling and limited neurotoxic effects, suggesting the venom is a mix of neurotoxic and cytotoxic proteins."
If bitten, it's important to get medical attention immediately – although fatal bites are rare.
Jason Arnold took to Facebook after discovering that a local family's dog, Bokkie, had been bitten by a green mamba.
On arrival, the dog was found in a critical condition. Several intervention methods were utilised under the telephonic consultation of a veterinarian to stabilise the dog.
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The family could not afford the anti-venom needed to save the dog's life, so Arnold asked the internet community for help.
The post quickly gained traction, and luckily for Bokkie, those who saw the post wanted to help.
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Thanks to so many good samaritans, Arnold and Van Reenen, Bokkie was given a fighting chance.
Sadly, the sweet dog gave it her all but was too old and sick to be saved.
Arnold posted an update on his Facebook page sharing the tragic news.
Hopefully, Bokkie is happy and running around pain-free in doggy heaven.
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Main image courtesy of universalreptiles/Facebook