Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Two small dogs treated for boomslang snakebite bleeding in South
By Hoole, M & Goddard, A·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·2007·Doonside Veterinary Hospital·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Boomslang envenomation in 2 dogs in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two small dogs were brought to the vet after being bitten by a boomslang snake in South Africa. They experienced severe bleeding due to the snake's venom, which can cause serious blood clotting issues. The vet treated both dogs with a specific antivenom, which stopped the bleeding within 45 minutes. However, one dog had a severe reaction to the antivenom, showing symptoms like vomiting and breathing problems, but responded well to additional treatment with cortisone. Both dogs were stabilized and received the care they needed.
People also search for: dog snake bite treatment · boomslang antivenom for dogs · dog vomiting after antivenom
Abstract
Although snakebites are frequently seen in small animal practice in South Africa, boomslang (Dispholidus typus) bites are infrequent due to their shy habits. Boomslang venom is a potent procoagulent, causing a consumption coagulopathy and profuse haemorrhage. Boomslang monovalent antivenom is the most effective treatment. This case report describes and discusses 2 small dogs that were presented to a private practice after being bitten by the same boomslang. Boomslang monovalent antivenom administration to both resulted in cessation of bleeding within 45 minutes. One of the dogs developed severe adverse reactions to the antivenom, including vomiting, dyspnoea and nystagmus, which responded well to intravenous cortisone and symptomatic treatment.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17665767/