Symptoms are variable in dogs and include: staggering, vomiting, collapse, muscle tremors, dilated pupils, excessive salivation, respiratory distress and bloody urine.

Cats exhibit a generalised weakness and paralysis.

If you suspect a snake bite in your pet, ring the 24-hour CVH emergency number 4832 1977, then take your pet in immediately.

CVH are also asking farmers: has pinkeye in cattle been an issue for you? It is estimated that pinkeye infection costs Australian beef farmers more than $23 million in loss of production and treatment.

With the warmer months ahead, now is the time to think about management and prevention of pinkeye infections. Vaccinating cattle early in spring (3-6 weeks before the pinkeye season) is the most effective way to protect your herd against this painful and debilitating disease.

Timing is critical and producers with a history of pinkeye in their herd should consider implementing a vaccination program.

Pink eye is a bacterium that can spread rapidly through a herd, if left untreated can lead to permanent blindness and even loss of the eye.

Early signs include weepy eyes and a cloudy discolouration to the eye. Early treatment is essential, not only for faster healing but also to minimise the spread.

Treatment involves the application of a long acting eye ointment (Opticlox), in addition to eye patches in badly affected eyes.