THE owner of a dog left fighting for its life after it was bitten by a venomous snake has warned others to watch out.
Cocker spaniel Maisie had to be rushed to vets for lifesaving treatment after an adder bit her on the nose while out walking on Copt Hall Marshes in Little Wigborough, near Tiptree, on April 6.
Owner Debbie Pickering said: "We were just wandering along when Maisie suddenly just sat down and appeared disorientated. Then she started foaming from the mouth and I noticed these two bite marks on her nose – at that point I rushed her to the vet.
"Luckily, I had rung them in advance so they had the anti-venom ready, they also gave her IV fluids and antibiotics.
"But it could have been so much worse as not all vets stock the medicine needed, and after three hours it's too late."
Nine-year-old Maisie was rushed to Spring Lodge Vets, Witham, where vet Nicole Laws quickly administered the anti-venom treatment.
"As we're a hospital, fortunately we had a supply of the anti-venom," said Nicole.
"Some dogs have an allergic reaction to the drug however so it isn't a guarantee, fortunately Maisie didn't.
"As the adder is the only venomous snake in the UK if an animal doesn't receive the anti-venom quickly the bite can kill."
Maisie is now recovering at home in Tolleshunt Knights although is unable to be taken for walks until the venom leaves her system entirely as too much movement could result in blood clots vets warned.
"The poison stays in the body for a couple of weeks so we can't risk it moving around," added Debbie, 44, who runs TLC Grooming from her home.
"She was getting stressed at the vets so they allowed us to bring her home but she's on strict bed rest."
Two years ago a dog died in agony after being bitten by one of the venomous snakes on Tiptree Heath, while warning signs went up at Galleywood Common last summer after the first adder sighting in more than 40 years.
Now dog-lover Debbie is hoping to raise as much awareness as possible about adders to stop an animal being killed again by the snakes, which are renowned for basking in the sun.
"I have always known that there are adders but I'd grown complacent," said Debbie.
"I've since found out that two other dogs have been bitten in the Maldon area but I don't think people realise how serious it can be.
"It's so shocking for both dog and owner and so many people don't have a clue so I just want to raise awareness."
The National Trust, which owns the land at Copt Hall Marshes, has said it has no current plans to put up signs warning of the snakes, although it will continue to monitor the situation.
