I live in Arizona. My dog was outside this morning and when he came in he had a Gila monster attached to his lower jaw. The lizard won't let go. What should I do? How is this treated?
Unfortunately, the United States and Mexico are the host countries to the only two species of poisonous lizards in the world. The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) and the Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) are both found in the Southwestern United States and occasionally an unsuspecting -- and curious -- dog or cat may run afoul of one of these reptiles. These lizards have venom glands located in the lower lips. When they bite, the venom is secreted into the bite victim's wound, which results from the lizard's repeated biting or chewing. The attacking lizard tends to hold on to the wounded animal. However, only a very few bite victims actually experience envenomation. Unlike snake and many other types of venom, lizard venom does not induce clotting disorders.
Usually dogs and cats get bitten on the face. The bite wound is very painful and provokes swelling around it. Bleeding will likely be seen at the wound site and the lizard may "hang on" to the bitten animal. The affected dog or cat may experience a drop in blood pressure, excessive salivation and tearing. Vomiting, depression, and increased frequency of urination may occur. If the lizard is not present, trauma and snakebite will need to be ruled out. A snakebite, in contrast, does not produce as many bite marks.
At the veterinary hospital, the veterinarian will remove the lizard and topically anesthetize the wound, remove lizard teeth and dead tissue and dress the wound. Antibiotics and pain medications may be given. The wound will be intermittently soaked for several days in a special aluminum subacetate solution. If the blood pressure is low, intravenous fluids will be administered.
Most animals bitten by poisonous lizards will recover with treatment. Prompt treatment is important, especially when the blood pressure is low.
04/25/01
