A review of 95 pit viper envenomations in Northcentral Florida (2018-2020)

This study's primary objectives were to record the clinical abnormalities and treatment responses associated with envenomation and their relation to outcome. Approximately 80% of the bites involved the head region associated with varying degrees of hemorrhagic lymphedema. Some of the most common additional symptoms observed were; hypotension (10%), cardiac dysrhythmias (17%), and coagulopathy (21%). Treatment in most cases consisted of intravenous fluids, antivenom, and analgesic drugs. Blood products were used as indicated for anemia and persistent bleeding. The average dose of the F('ab')2 was 1-2 vials. Additional vials (3-22) were administered as needed to counteract persistent or recurrent coagulopathy and hemolysis. Only 3% of the dogs had mild clinical signs of Type 1 hypersensitivity during their treatment period. Antihistamine use at the tertiary hospital was restricted to the three dogs showing signs of a suspected allergic reaction in response to antivenom administration; these patients received diphenhydramine intramuscularly. A glucocorticoid drug was used in only one dog prior to referral but not subsequently. Ninety dogs had a good outcome, while five died. Historically, pit viper envenomation in dogs in the southeastern United States has been a potentially life-threatening problem. Most dogs will survive if treated promptly and appropriately with adequate amounts of intravenous fluids, and antivenom titrated on severity of clinical presentation.PMID:37160192 |...
Source: Toxicon - Category: Toxicology Authors: Source Type: research