Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cats with sudden paralysis after suspected coral snake bites
By Chrisman, C L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1996·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Acute, flaccid quadriplegia in three cats with suspected coral snake envenomation.
- Species:
- reptile
Plain-English summary
Three cats were brought in for sudden weakness and inability to move their legs, along with signs of depression. The vets suspected they had been bitten by a coral snake, especially since two of the cats had bite wounds. Tests showed that their nerves were not working properly, similar to cases seen in dogs with snake bites. One cat received an antivenin specifically for coral snake bites, and all three cats recovered fully within a week to ten days.
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Abstract
Three cats were evaluated for acute, ascending, flaccid quadriplegia; depression; and reduced nociception. Complete or partial neuromuscular junction blockade was found on nerve stimulation studies during electromyographic examinations. Two of the cases had wounds on the chin or paw compatible with coral snake bites. Although a coral snake was found in only one case, coral snake envenomation was suspected because potential for exposure, clinical signs, and electrodiagnostic findings were similar to dogs reported with this condition and to cats with tiger snake envenomation. Only one case received coral snake antivenin. All cases recovered within seven-to-10 days.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8784725/