Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Brazilian Native Bothrops Envenomation in Nine Horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Ferreira, Júlia F et al.
- Affiliation:
- o Paulo State University (Unesp) · Brazil
Plain-English summary
This study looked at nine horses that were bitten by Bothrops snakes, which are native to Brazil. The severity of the snakebites varied, with five horses experiencing severe symptoms, two moderate, and two mild, all of which occurred on their heads. Common signs included swelling, problems with blood clotting, and trouble breathing, with all horses showing prolonged blood clotting times. They all received specific antivenom based on how severe their bites were, and six of the horses needed emergency procedures to help them breathe. Unfortunately, one horse died after eight days in the hospital, while the others were able to go home after nine days. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of quick treatment for snakebites to improve the chances of recovery.
Abstract
In this retrospective study, clinical records of nine horses with a diagnosis of Bothrops envenomation were investigated. The accidents were classified as severe (5/9), moderate (2/9), or mild (2/9) according to the adapted bothropic snakebite severity score (BSSS). All snakebites were on the head region. The main clinical signs were local edema, blood coagulation disorders, and respiratory distress. The whole-blood clotting time (WBCT) was prolonged in all horses, and five horses presented with uncoagulable blood. All horses received specific snake antivenom according to the BSSS (six vials for severe, four vials for moderate, and two vials for mild accidents), and emergency tracheotomy was required in six horses because of respiratory distress. One horse died after eight days of hospitalization, whereas the others were discharged after nine days of hospitalization. The BSSS plus the WBCT were useful in determining the prognosis and the amount and frequency of antivenom therapy. Snakebite accidents are emergency cases; therefore, rapid and efficient therapeutic intervention will reflect positively on the prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33077082/