Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Severe paralysis in dogs from death adder bites helped by antivenom
By Swindells, K L et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2006·Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Four cases of snake envenomation responsive to death adder antivenom.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four dogs were brought in after being bitten by snakes, specifically the common death adder and bardick. They showed severe weakness and paralysis in their back legs but did not have bleeding issues. The veterinarians used a special test to confirm the snake venom and then treated the dogs with death adder antivenom. With the right treatment and supportive care, the dogs had a good chance of recovery.
People also search for: dog snake bite treatment · death adder antivenom for dogs · dog paralysis after snake bite
Abstract
Death adder envenomation is rare in humans and there is only one brief report previously in dogs. This paper details three cases of canine common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) envenomation and one case of bardick (Echiopsis curta) envenomation which were responsive to death adder antivenom. The available literature on death adder envenomations is also reviewed. The main clinical sign in the four dogs was severe lower motor neuron paralysis. There was no clinical evidence of coagulopathy or myopathy. Use of a snake venom detection kit was essential for selection of appropriate antivenom. Death adder and bardick envenomation in dogs potentially has a good prognosis if sufficient antivenom is administered and intensive supportive care is available.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16498830/