Clinical findings associated with prairie rattlesnake bites in dogs: 100 cases (1989–1998)

Abstract

Prairie rattlesnake envenomation in dogs is associated with high morbidity rate but low mortality rate. The efficacy of administration of antivenin for dogs with bites from this snake species is questionable.

Vipera palaestinae envenomation in 327 dogs: a retrospective cohort study and analysis of risk factors for mortality

“…This pattern, however, may also result from increased seasonal and diurnal dog activity. Similar findings were reported previously in dogs Hackett et al, 2002). Likewise, in humans, most frequently reported Vp envenomations were between 18:00 and 22:00 (Mann, 1976).…”

“…This might have led to higher venom to body weight ratio in small breed dogs, and account for the increased RR for mortality observed in small dogs in the present study. In another retrospective study conducted on 100 dogs envenomated by rattlesnakes, small dogs required significantly longer hospitalisation period (Hackett et al, 2002), a finding that further supports this explanation.…”

“…In prairie rattlesnake dog envenomations, antivenom treatment significantly influenced only platelet counts, whereas no influence on other parameters was observed (Hackett et al, 2002). This apparent antivenom treatment ineffectiveness could be due to relatively low doses used.…”

Comparison of the protective effect of a commercially available western diamondback rattlesnake toxoid vaccine for dogs against envenomation of mice with western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus), and southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) venom

“…In actual envenomations, local effects such as severe necrosis, hemorrhage, and inflammation can cause substantial morbidity, which potentially can lead to severe incapacitation and death. [42][43][44][45] It remains to be determined whether vaccination has substantial effects to prevent or reduce important local sequelae after snake envenomation. Despite these drawbacks, there are a number of reasons investigators should use the described method of envenomation of mice, including that it is a well-accepted technique for venom analysis and antivenin evaluation, adheres to the concept of replacement in research (ie, use of mice instead of dogs or horses), and has been used in experiments conducted by the manufacturer to obtain USDA licensing for the CAT vaccine.…”

Administration of Biological Products

“…Mild, selflimiting type 1 hypersensitivity reactions have a reported prevalence of 14%-56% and 4% in humans and dogs, respectively. 47,[51][52][53][54][55] In two reports of rattlesnake envenomation in dogs, ACP therapy resulted in type 1 hypersensitivity in 1/22 and 0/23 patients, respectively. 54,55 Clinical signs referable to allergy in affected dogs were limited to facial swelling and pruritus.…”