Signs of Snake Bite in Ruminants

Sheep

Sheep are known to be highly susceptible to snake venom. Experimentally, envenomated sheep develop a characteristic progressive bulbar paralysis. They cannot swallow, the pendulous lower lip dribbles saliva and the protruding tongue is flaccid. This appearance is a remarkable and constant picture in the terminal stages. Regurgitated rumen contens may be emitted through the nostrils, as a result of palatal paralysis, or aspirated into the bronchial tree, following laryngeal paralysis. Sheep may lie motionless for hours before dying quietly from respiratory failure.

Goats

Experimentally, goats are a little less susceptible to the effects of injected snake venom than sheep, but otherwise the clinical picture is similar

Cattle

Little has been described about the effects of snake bite in cattle. Possibly because of their clumsiness they may receive multiple bites and thus severe envenomation. Typical signs to be expected would include muscular weakness, ataxia, flaccid paralysis, dilated pupils and extended clotting times. Cows suspected of suffering from snake bite have occasionally been reported as goose stepping.