Definition of ESTRUS. : a regularly recurrent state of sexual excitability during which the female of most mammals will accept the male and is capable of conceiving: heat; also: a single occurrence of this state. See estrus defined for kids.
1. (medicine) any of various liquids sold as medicine (as by a travelling medicine show) but medically worthless. 2. communication (written or spoken) intended to deceive. Familiarity information: SNAKE OIL used as a noun is rare. Dictionary entry details.
They represent all that is evil, corrupt and dangerous. Others say that snakes are a sign of sexuality, potency or psychic energy. In your dream it sounds like your association to the snake was one of evil and mistrust.