Diagnosis Of Snake Envenomation Research Articles

Snake envenomation in two cattle: clinical/laboratory aspects and treatment using equine-derived antivenin of Viperidae

In this case report, specific antivenin treatment for Viperidae snake envenomation in two cattle was defined for the first time. The diagnosis of snake envenomation was made according to the history and clinical findings. Clinical examination revealed systemic (tachycardia, dyspnea, cyanosis, hypersalivation, ruminal hypotony) and local (swelling of the leg and head) findings depending on the location of snake bites. Laboratory analysis determined granulocytic leukocytosis, monocytosis, decreased iron binding capacity, and increased CK and LDH enzyme activities. In the specific treatment of cases, equine-derived polyvalent antivenin containing antitoxic immunoglobulins against Viperidae species was administered. Additionally, 5% dextrose, antibiotics, dexamethasone, antihistamines, diuretics, and a vitamin B complex were applied. All clinical and laboratory abnormalities improved after treatment. Complete clinical improvement was observed within 1 week in both cases. The results indicate that equine-derived specific antivenin treatment in snake bites of the family Viperidae can be successfully used in cattle.

Diagnosis of snake envenomation using a simple phospholipase A2 assay.

Diagnosis of snake envenomation is challenging but critical for deciding on antivenom use. Phospholipase A2 enzymes occur commonly in snake venoms and we hypothesized that phospholipase activity detected in human blood post-bite may be indicative of envenomation. Using a simple assay, potentially a bedside test, we detected high phospholipase activity in sera of patients with viper and elapid envenomation compared to minimal activity in non-envenomed patients.

Elapid snake envenomation in dogs in New South Wales: a review

Elapid snake envenomation in dogs is a commonly occurring yet poorly described clinical entity. Twelve species of dangerously venomous elapid snakes are found in New South Wales that are capable of causing disease in dogs. Geographical distribution of these species varies, as does their venom composition and systemic envenomation syndromes produced in target species. Elapid venom may be divided into the components of prothrombin activating enzymes, lipases and peptidic neurotoxins. Each species of elapid snake may possess venom components that fit any or all of these classifications. The action of these venom components may result in neurotoxic (pre-synaptic and post-synaptic), haemotoxic (red-cell destruction and coagulation disturbance), cardiovascular, myotoxic and secondary nephrotoxic effects. Marked variability may occur in venom composition between and within snake species, resulting in varying toxicity between species and also potentially unreliable clinical syndromes following envenomation. The existence of certain components consistently within the venom of each snake species allows the broad definition of basic pathological processes and clinicopathological changes resulting from snake species-specific envenomation and these are discussed. Diagnosis of snake envenomation is unreliable if based on clinical signs alone and the use of these signs in conjunction with history, physical examination and laboratory investigation, including snake venom detection kits, is recommended. Treatment of systemic envenomation should be undertaken with initial effective first aid and subsequent administration of snake species-specific antivenom.

Snake envenomation in dogs in New South Wales

To obtain baseline data on the prevalence of elapid snake envenomation in dogs presented to veterinary practices in New South Wales and to assess attitudes of veterinarians to this clinical entity. A mailed questionnaire, sent to all veterinary clinics within New South Wales, was utilised to collect epidemiological information regarding elapid snake envenomation in dogs. A response rate of 68% was obtained and a yearly prevalence of snake envenomation in dogs across New South Wales veterinary clinics was estimated as 0.31%. The most common species reported to be responsible for envenomation within NSW was the Red Bellied Black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) followed by the Brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) and then Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus). The reported envenomation syndromes caused by these common snake species were perceived to be similar for Brown and Tiger snakes but differed for Red Bellied Black snakes. Diagnosis of snake envenomation was based predominantly on the recognition of clinical signs. Specific diagnostic tests, such as venom detection kits, were used infrequently. The most common treatment was reported to be a combination of intravenous fluid therapy and antivenom, and monitoring of response to this treatment was usually through assessment of clinical signs. Survival after antivenom administration was reported to be highest for Red Bellied Black snake species. Survival was perceived to be associated with time between envenomation and presentation to the veterinary clinic and with antivenom administration. Current attitudes and perceptions of veterinarians have been defined. Diagnosis of species-specific snake envenomation is shown to be made on the basis of clinical signs which are, however, reported as similar for each species. Clearer definition of these envenomation syndromes and identification of accessible diagnostic testing procedures are needed.