Effects of bites by the European adder (Vipera berus) in seven Swedish horses

Abstract

The effects on seven horses of bites by the European adder (Vipera berus) are described and compared with previously available information. The clinical signs varied from local swelling and mild systemic signs to severe systemic signs, including systemic inflammatory response, severe tissue necrosis, ventricular tachycardia and dysphagia. Two of the horses were treated with 'Zagreb' antiserum, and three that were not treated with antiserum were euthanased owing to complications related to the bites.

Venomous snakebites in the Croatian North Dalmatia region

“…Snakebite incidence in Croatia matches the average snakebite incidence of other Mediterranean countries [5,6,16]. Snakebites usually happen outside the urban area usually in the fi elds and mountain tracks [12,32,37,42] (Table 2). However, there have been snakebites in urban centers which means the snakes can adapt to life in urban areas without many green areas [14,17].…”

Clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with snake envenomation in domestic animals

“…[1][2][3][4] Additionally, a consistent annual peak of envenomation in late summer to early autumn has been described in South Africa and is thought to result from increased prehibernation activity. 3 Snake envenomation of domestic animals occurs frequently, has a worldwide distribution, and has been reported in dogs, 5 cats, 5,6 horses, 7,8 sheep, 9,10 cattle, 11 and New World camelids. 12 Despite the high prevalence of snake envenomation and the large number of reports in domestic animals, the relevant veterinary literature is limited, especially with regard to associated clinicopathologic abnormalities.…”

Clinical Approach to Commonly Encountered Problems

“…In addition to obstruction, other esophageal conditions that can result in dysphagia include esophagitis, esophageal rupture, fistula, strictures, diverticula, megaesophagus, and congenital disorders, such as esophageal cysts. 347,428 415,[417][418][419] Both squamous cell carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma have been seen to extend from the stomach into the esophagus.…”