Successful treatment of a potentially fatal eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) envenomation in a dog with tiger‐brown snake antivenom with serial quantification of venom antigen and antivenom concentrations in serum and urine. Issue 5 (13th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grose, V; Padula, AM; Leister, EM
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 99:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2021-01-13
• Subjects: antivenom -- brown snake venom -- dog -- Pseudonaja texilis -- snakebite; Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.13051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

Abstract : Case report: A successfully treated case of eastern brown snake ( Pseudonaja textilis ) envenomation in a Jack Russel Terrier dog is described with measurement of venom and antivenom concentration pre‐ and post‐treatment. Early presentation, prompt administration of tiger‐brown snake antivenom, hospitalisation and critical care monitoring lead to low morbidity and rapid recovery from a potentially fatal envenomation. Retrospective measurement of urine and serum venom and antivenom provided insight into the potential severity of the case and rapid efficacy of antivenom. Clinical significance: Potentially fatal brown snakebite cases may initially present with only mild clinical signs despite having high concentrations of venom and potential for fatal outcome. Prompt treatment with antivenom is essential to prevent the development of progressive and fatal coagulopathy and paralysis.