Fortunately this is not common but should it occur, the only recourse would be an immediate tracheostomy. On admission to the hospital, oxygen administration is useful. The venom from rattlesnakes contains some very potent vasoactive substances which contribute to shock. In shock, the priorities are directed to maintaining volume, blood pressure, blood flow, and cardiac function. Thus, the first treatment is directed to obtaining a vascular access with a large bore intravenous catheter.
Close monitoring is begun to prevent overhydration or excessive hemodilution.
Treatment of the envenomation . Explain your rationale for the administration antivenin. Antivenin is useful in rattlesnake envenomation in that it will help alleviate many of the toxic effects of the venom if administered promptly after the snake bite. It seems unlikely that a single vial of antivenin would be adequate for dogs or cats. Antecdotal evidence does suggest the morbidity associated with envenomation is reduced with antivenin administration.