Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye problems in dogs after pit viper snakebites to the face
By Martins, Bianca C et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2016·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ophthalmic abnormalities secondary to periocular or ocular snakebite (pit vipers) in dogs--11 cases (2012-2014).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought to the vet after being bitten on the face by a snake, which caused severe swelling around the eyes and bleeding from the eyelids. The dog showed signs of eye problems, including redness, tearing, and sensitivity. The vet provided supportive care, and over time, most of the symptoms improved significantly. However, two dogs in the study experienced vision loss due to damage from the bite. With proper treatment, the majority of the dogs recovered well within a few weeks.
People also search for: dog snakebite symptoms · dog eye problems after snakebite · treatment for dog snakebite injuries
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe ophthalmic abnormalities secondary to periocular and ocular snakebite in dogs. ANIMAL STUDIED: Retrospective review of medical records from dogs presenting to the Small Animal Hospital at University of Florida following snakebites to the face (2012-2014). Two groups were identified: periocular bites (PB) and ocular bites (OB). RESULTS: Records from eleven dogs matched the search criteria and were included in the study (PB=9, 81.8%; OB=2, 18.2%). Both OB cases involved the cornea. Facial edema, blepharospasm, chemosis, and conjunctival hyperemia occurred in all cases (100%). Hemorrhage from the eyelids occurred in eight cases (72.7%; PB=7, OB=1). Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in seven cases (63.6%; PB=6, OB=1). Third eyelid laceration and nictitans gland prolapse occurred in 1 case each (9%; PB=1). Lagophthalmia was present in three cases (27.3%; PB=3), with secondary corneal ulcer in two cases (18.2%; PB=2). Corneal ulcer due to direct corneal bite occurred in two cases (18.2%-partial thickness with melting (1) and full thickness (1) ). Uveitis was present in 6 cases (54.5%; PB=4, OB=2), with flare and miosis in 4 cases (36.4%; PB=2, OB=2). Hyphema, fibrin in anterior chamber, and cataract occurred in one case (9%; OB=1). Vision loss occurred in two cases (18.2%; PB=2), secondary to retinal degeneration (PB=1) and amaurosis (PB=1). Mean follow-up time was 7 weeks (range: 3 days-11 months). Most clinical signs had resolved by last examination. CONCLUSIONS: Periocular symptoms were more commonly observed than ocular alterations, regardless of bite location. Appropriate supportive therapy should be instituted according to clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25912317/