Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horses bitten by European adder in Finland - symptoms and treatment
By Leppänen, V & Mykkänen, A·Published in Journal of equine veterinary science·2024·Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected envenomation by the common European adder (Vipera berus berus) in 28 horses in Finland.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A group of 28 horses in Finland were treated for suspected snake bites from the common European adder, a venomous snake. Symptoms included swelling and pain at the bite site, and many horses received treatments like antivenom, anti-inflammatory medications, and fluids. All horses survived their hospital stay, but there was no significant difference in recovery time between those that received antivenom and those that did not. The study suggests that while antivenom is commonly used, its impact on recovery time may not be as significant as previously thought.
People also search for: horse snake bite treatment · European adder envenomation symptoms · antivenom for horses
Abstract
Vipera berus berus is the only venomous snake present in the Nordic countries and cases of envenomation in horses are reported during the warmer months. Little is known about the presentation, treatment and survival of horses with common European adder envenomation. Clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome are reported for 28 horses admitted to Helsinki University Equine Hospital in 2008-2023 due to suspicion of snake bite. Eleven of these horses received antivenom treatment. Other common treatments included non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (22/28), antimicrobials (19/28), intravenous fluid therapy (11/28), corticosteroids (9/28) and local treatment (11/28). All horses survived until discharge. No difference was detected in the length of hospital stay between horses with moderate envenomation that had or had not received antivenom treatment. Horses with moderate envenomation are more likely to receive antivenom treatment and require longer hospital stay than horses with mild envenomation. Antivenom treatment is not associated with shorter hospital stay. Little evidence supports the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics in treatment of envenomation. Studies with larger numbers of animals are warranted to evaluate the effect of treatment, including administration of antivenom, on long-term outcome and survival from envenomation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38960009/