Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blood clotting problems in dogs bitten by Vipera palaestinae snakes
By Aroch, I et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2010·Koret School of Veterinary Medicine·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Haemostatic abnormalities and clinical findings in Vipera palaestinae-envenomed dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs envenomated by the venomous viper Vipera palaestinae showed severe symptoms, including local swelling and systemic issues. Out of 39 dogs studied, 15% unfortunately died, and most had significant blood clotting problems. Tests revealed that many dogs had increased levels of D-dimer, indicating serious clotting issues, and some developed a dangerous condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation. Monitoring blood clotting and providing appropriate treatment were crucial for improving the chances of survival in these cases.
People also search for: dog snake bite treatment · viper envenomation symptoms in dogs · dog blood clotting problems · how to treat snake bites in dogs
Abstract
The venomous viper Vipera palaestinae (Vp) is responsible for most envenomations in humans and animals in Israel. Its venom contains proteases, haemorrhagins, L-amino acid oxidase and phospholipase A2 but its effects on haemostasis have yet to be characterised. This prospective study aimed to characterise haemostatic abnormalities in Vp-envenomed dogs from presentation to discharge or death, and their association with mortality. Samples from 39 Vp-envenomed dogs were collected periodically and examined for haematology, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), antithrombin activity (ATA), fibrinogen level and D-dimer concentration. All dogs presented with severe local signs and most (79%) had systemic signs. Six dogs (15%) died. Haemostatic abnormalities were present in 37/39 dogs. Increased D-dimer concentrations were detected in 28/31 dogs. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was diagnosed in 10 dogs and in all non-survivors. Platelet and leucocyte counts at presentation, maximum PT and aPTT, and minimum ATA during hospitalisation were significantly different between survivors and non-survivors and were good predictors of the outcome. The results show that hypercoagulability, consumption and derangement of haemostasis are common in Vp-envenomed dogs and are associated with mortality. Haemostasis should be closely monitored in such dogs.
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/19560952/