Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neurologic signs in a miniature horse after rattlesnake bite
By Weintraub, Laura et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2026·Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Case Report: Neurologic signs following rattlesnake envenomation.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old miniature horse was brought in with severe facial swelling and trouble walking after a suspected rattlesnake bite. The owners found her with these symptoms in an area known for rattlesnakes, and she had been normal the day before. Blood tests showed low platelet counts and elevated liver and muscle enzymes. The vet treated her with antivenom, a medication to help with urination, and supportive care. After 6 days in the hospital, her swelling and walking problems improved, and she was able to go home.
People also search for: rattlesnake bite treatment for horses · horse facial swelling after snake bite · miniature horse neurologic signs after envenomation
Abstract
Rattlesnake envenomation is a common emergency in horses in California. Rattlesnakes belong to a group of venomous snakes: pit vipers. The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (), a subspecies of the Western Rattlesnake, is the most widespread rattlesnake in California (1). A 5-year-old miniature horse mare presented for a presumed Western Rattlesnake bite. The owners found the horse the morning of presentation with severe facial swelling and the horse was housed in an area where rattlesnakes are commonly observed. The horse was reported to be normal the day prior to presentation. On blood examination, severe thrombocytopenia, elevated AST, and elevated creatine kinase (CK) were identified. On physical examination the horse was noted to have severe facial swelling, to be dribbling urine, and to have a hypermetric gate in the hind limbs. Treatment was initiated with antivenom, bethanechol, and supportive care. After 6 days of hospitalization, the horse regained urinary function, the facial swelling significantly improved, the neurologic gait resolved, and the horse was discharged. This is the first case report describing neurologic manifestations from a presumed Western Rattlesnake bite.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42022393/