Four cases of snake envenomation responsive to death adder antivenom

Swindells, K.L., Russell, N.J., Angles, J.M. and Foster, S.F. (2006) Four cases of snake envenomation responsive to death adder antivenom. Australian Veterinary Journal, 84 (1-2). pp. 22-29.

Abstract

Death adder envenomation is rare in humans and there is only one brief report previously in dogs. This paper details three cases of canine common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) envenomation and one case of bardick (Echiopsis curta) envenomation which were responsive to death adder antivenom. The available literature on death adder envenomations is also reviewed. The main clinical sign in the four dogs was severe lower motor neuron paralysis. There was no clinical evidence of coagulopathy or myopathy. Use of a snake venom detection kit was essential for selection of appropriate antivenom. Death adder and bardick envenomation in dogs potentially has a good prognosis if sufficient antivenom is administered and intensive supportive care is available.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Publisher:	Wiley-Blackwell
Copyright:	© John Wiley and Sons
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/11397

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