Answer: Black Widow spider bite

The Black Widow Spider is a common spider found in our area. It is recognized by its dark color and red hour glass on its lower abdomen. The venom from this spider is extremely toxic and has local as well as systemic effects. This horse was treated with antihistamines and antibiotics and recovered un-eventfully to go on and lead a normal life without long term effects. This horse may not have been so lucky had it been bitten by another spider in our area called the Brown Recluse. This spider is lighter in color then the Black Widow and has no hour glass its ventral abdomen but don’t be fooled by it’s innocuous appearance. Its venom has a long term tissue necrotizing effect which can take months for the ulcerative wound to heal.

 

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