The diagnosis and management of snakebite in dogs--a southern African perspective

Cases of snakebite envenomation are frequently presented to veterinary practitioners in southern Africa. Despite this, no published guidelines exist on how this medical emergency should be managed. Southern African snake venoms can be classified into 3 main types based on the main mechanism of venom action and clinical presentation. A polyvalent antivenom is manufactured in South Africa and contains antibodies against the most important southern African snake venoms. The cytotoxic venoms are represented mainly by the puff-adder (Bitis arietans), Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossabica), black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) (in the Western Cape and Namibia) and the stiletto snake (Atractaspis bibronii). These venoms may cause dramatic local swelling, high morbidity and low mortality and infrequently require the use of antivenom for survival (the only cytotoxic venoms used to prepare the antivenom are the puff-adder and Mozambique spitting cobra). The neurotoxic venoms (represented chiefly by the non-spitting cobras and mambas) cause high mortality due to rapid onset of paresis and require antivenom and mechanical ventilatory support which is life-saving. The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and the vine snake (coagulopathic venom) rarely bite humans but dogs may be bitten more frequently. These venoms cause a consumption coagulopathy and successful treatment of boomslang bites requires the use of snake species-specific monovalent antivenom. There is no antivenom available for treating vine snake (Thelotornis capensis), berg adder (Bitis atropos), night adder (Causus spp.), stiletto snake and other lesser adder bites. There are some important differences between the way snakebites are managed in humans and dogs.     

SnakeMap: four years of experience with a national small animal snake envenomation registry

SnakeMap is a national cloud-based, veterinary snakebite registry. It was designed to prospectively collect data of the clinical circumstances and temporospatial information on cases of snake envenomation in dogs and cats. We herein introduce the project and summarise the data from the first 4 years of SnakeMap. The registry is a veterinary community-based online database allowing case entry from veterinary hospitals across Australia. Registry data comprise hospital characteristics, patient characteristics, envenoming snake type, treatment and outcome variables, including time and geolocation of the snake bite. We present summative information on select key variables from the SnakeMap registry (1 July 2015 to 30 June 2019). Twenty-eight hospitals from 6 states/territories entered 624 cases into the registry, including 419 dogs (67%) and 205 cats (33%). Bite time was available in 216 animals of which 90 (42%) were reported to be bitten in the 3 hours between 03:00 pm and 05:59 pm; median bite to presentation interval was 60 (interquartile range [IQR] 30, 211) minutes in dogs and 95 (IQR 41, 238) minutes in cats. Bites occurred in the owner's yard in 356 dogs (85%) and 53 cats (26%). A snake venom detection kit was used in 172 cases (28%) and antivenom was administered in 523 cases (85%). Most animals (n = 534, 88%) survived to discharge (median hospitalisation of 25 [IQR 16, 62] hours). SnakeMap effectively collects relevant clinical data from dogs and cats with presumed snake bite and provides locally specific information on the epidemiology of snake envenomation in small animals.     

An investigation, in vitro, of the actions of three Western Australian snakes on the blood coagulation of the dog, cat, horse and wallaby

Venoms of the tiger snake and brown snake were procoagulant, in vitro, when tested with cat, dog, horse and wallaby plasma. In the absence of calcium and phospholipid the coagulant activity of tiger snake venom was minimal. In contrast, brown snake venom alone had marked procoagulant activity. This activity, however, was enhanced by the presence of calcium and phospholipid. Death adder venom exerted an anticoagulant effect. Apparent species' differences in susceptibility to the coagulant venoms were noted. However, the probable explanation of these differences was attributed to variation in the control values of the special studies rather than to a difference in the postulated actions of the venoms on prothrombin. A possible role for clotting studies in suspected snake bite in veterinary practice is suggested.     

Snake bite: coral snakes

North American coral snakes are distinctively colored beginning with a black snout and an alternating pattern of black, yellow, and red. They have fixed front fangs and a poorly developed system for venom delivery, requiring a chewing action to inject the venom. The severity of a coral snake bite is related to the volume of venom injected and the size of the victim. The length of the snake correlates positively with the snakes venom yield. Coral snake venom is primarily neurotoxic with little local tissue reaction or pain at the bite site. The net effect of the neurotoxins is a curare like syndrome. In canine victims there have been reports of marked hemolysis with severe anemia and hemoglobinuria. The onset of clinical signs may be delayed for as much as 10 to 18 hours. The victim begins to have alterations in mental status and develops generalized weakness and muscle fasciculations. Progression to paralysis of the limbs and respiratory muscles then follows. The best flied response to coral snake envenomation is rapid transport to a veterinary medical facility capable of 24 hour critical care and assisted ventilation. First aid treatment advocated in Australia for Elapid bites is the immediate use of a compression bandage. The victim should be hospitalized for a minimum of 48 hours for continuous monitoring. The only definitive treatment for coral snake envenomation is the administration of antivenin (M. fulvius). Once clinical signs of coral snake envenomation become manifest they progress with alarming rapidity and are difficult to reverse. If antivenin is not available or if its administration is delayed, supportive care includes respiratory support. Assisted mechanical ventilation can be used but may have to be employed for up to 48 to 72 hours.     

Snake bite: pit vipers

Pit vipers are the largest group of venomous snakes in the United States and are involved in an estimated 150,000 bites annually of dogs and cats. The severity of any pit viper bite is related to the volume and toxicity of the venom injected as well as the location of the bite, which may influence the rate of venom uptake. The toxicity of rattlesnake venom varies widely. It is possible for pit vipers' venom to be strictly neurotoxic with virtually no local signs of envenomation. Venom consists of 90% water and has a minimum of 10 enzymes and 3 to 12 nonenzymatic proteins and peptides in any individual snake. The onset of clinical signs after envenomation may be delayed for several hours. The presence of fang marks does not indicate that envenomation has occurred, only that a bite has taken place. Systemic clinical manifestations encompass a wide variety of problems including pain, weakness, dizziness, nausea, severe hypotension, and thrombocytopenia. The victim's clotting abnormalities largely depend upon the species of snake involved. Venom induced thrombocytopenia occurs in approximately 30% of envenomations. Many first aid measures have been advocated for pit viper bite victims, none has been shown to prevent morbidity or mortality. Current recommendations for first aid in the field are to keep the victim calm, keep the bite site below heart level if possible, and transport the victim to a veterinary medical facility for primary medical intervention. The patient should be hospitalized and monitored closely for a minimum of 8 hours for the onset of signs of envenomation. The only proven specific therapy against pit viper envenomation is the administration of antivenin. The dosage of antivenin needed is calculated relative to the amount of venom injected, the body mass of the victim, and the bite site. The average dosage in dogs and cats is 1 to 2 vials of antivenin.     

Snake bites recorded by veterinary practices in Australia

Objective To determine the extent of the snake bite problem in domestic animals, its regional significance and the effects of antivenom treatment.
Design A questionnaire was designed seeking information on the number and type of domestic animals referred, whether treated or untreated, type of snakes and management of the bite.
Procedure The survey form was sent to 10% of veterinary surgeons, selected at random throughout Australia.
Results The response of 106 veterinary surgeons revealed that snake bite in domestic animals is frequent, with an estimated 6200 cases reported annually. Bites were more prominent in rural (78%) than urban areas (22%) with brown, tiger and black snakes accounting for 76%, 13% and 6% of cases, respectively. Cats and dogs were the most frequently reported victims. Ninety-one percent of cats and 75% of dogs survived following the administration of antivenom whereas 66% of cats and 31% of dogs survived without antivenom. Overall, in 33% of cases antivenom was not used, and venom detection kits were used in only 1% of cases. A number of drugs were used in various combinations with or without antivenom and intravenous fluids in the treatment of animals with snake bite, but their role in reducing the severity of envenomations was not assessed.
Clinical implications Antivenom significantly improves the chances of survival of domestic animals bitten by snakes.     

Clinical and biochemical changes in 53 Swedish dogs bitten by the European adder - Vipera berus

Background

Every year many dogs in Sweden are bitten by Vipera berus, the only venomous viper in Sweden. This prospective study investigated clinical signs, some biochemical parameters, treatment, and progress of disease after snakebite in 53 dogs. Effects of treatment with and without glucocorticoids were evaluated.

Methods

All fifty-three dogs bitten by Vipera berus were examined the same day the dog was bitten and the next day. Two more examinations during 23 days post snake bite were included. Creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bile acid results were followed through 3 to 4 samplings from 34 of the dogs.

Results

All dogs had variable severity of local swelling in the bite area and 73 per cent had affected mental status. Initial cardiac auscultation examination was normal in all dogs, but six dogs had cardiac abnormalities at their second examination, including cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac murmurs. All dogs received fluid therapy, 36 dogs were given analgesics, 22 dogs were treated with glucocorticoids, and ten dogs were treated with antibiotics. Evidence of transient muscle damage (increased CK) was seen one day after the snake bite in 15 (54%) of 28 sampled dogs. Moderate changes in hepatic test results occurred in 1 dog and several dogs (22 of 34) had transient, minor increases in one or more hepatic test result. No dog died during the observation period as a consequence of the snake bite.

Conclusions

Snake bite caused local swelling in all dogs and mental depression of short duration in most dogs. Some dogs had transient clinical signs that could be indicative of cardiac injury and some other had transient biochemical signs of liver injury. Treatment with glucocorticoids did not have any clear positive or negative effect on clinical signs and mortality.     

SNAKE BITE IN CATS

SUMMARY: In 6 years snake bite was diagnosed in 41 cats, with an average age of 20 months. The commonest presenting signs were dilated pupils, absence of the pupillary light reflex, depression and generalised muscle weakness. Other frequent findings were vomiting, dyspnoea, hindlimb ataxia and complete flaccid paralysis. Thirdy-seven cases (90%) occurred in the 6 warmer months of the year. Tiger snakes were positively identified in 7 cases. A recovery rate of 89% was obtained in cases receiving 3000 units Tiger snake antivenene, fluid therapy and nursing. Cases presenting with a complete flaccid paralysis and sub-normal temperatures were poor prognostic risks.     

Myotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of common tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) venom in the dog

SUMMARY The myotoxicity and neurotoxicity of common tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) venom are major factors in the pathogenesis of envenomation in the dog. Histological examination of the tissues of experimentally envenomed dogs has demonstrated the importance of muscle damage in affecting the clinical syndrome of tiger snake envenomation. Within one hour of injection of the venom into dogs, there was selective involvement of some muscles. Cardiac and smooth muscles were not significantly affected. The severity of myofibre damage was influenced by the amount of venom injected. Immobilisation under general anaesthesia resulted in significant protection against the myotoxic effects of high doses of venom. Lesions in the kidneys of experimentally envenomed dogs were acute tubular necrosis and the variable presence of a small amount of proteinaceous material in tubules. These lesions, which were similar to those in cases of natural snake bite, were indicative of a direct nephrotoxic effect, which could be complicated by the effects of myoglobinuria. These findings emphasise the need for supportive treatment aimed at maintenance of renal function in the treatment of dogs suffering from tiger snake envenomation.     

SNAKE BITE IN DOGS

In 7 years snake bite was diagnosed in 80 dogs. Sporting breeds figured prominently. The average was 3.6 years. The commonest presenting signs were salivation, vomiting, dilated pupils, absence of the pupillary light reflex, depression and generalised muscle weakness, hindlimb ataxia and respiratory distress. Sixty-seven cases (84%) occurred in 6 warmer months on the year. Fifty-one dogs (64%) were seen either to be bitten or in contact with a snake. Tiger and Brown snakes were implicated on 32 and 3 occasions respectively. An overall recovery rate of 87% was obtained for patients receiving antivenene, fluid and support therapy. The period from treatment-to-full recovery was shorter for cases in which the bite-to-treatment period was one hour or less (24 hours) when compared with the recovery time for all cases (36 hours). The prognosis was poor for dogs presenting with the triad of complete flaccid paralysis, dyspnoea and a sub-normal temperature.     

Retrospective study of snake envenomation in 155 dogs from the Onderstepoort area of South Africa

A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence, signalment, haematological and biochemical changes, therapy, and outcome of dogs presented to the Outpatients section of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital for confirmed snake envenomation. Three hundred and seventy-six records of dogs presented for snake envenomation from 1998 to 2002 were reviewed and 155 were selected on the basis of there being a positively identified snake. The 2 most commonly encountered snake envenomations in dogs were puff-adders (Bitis arietans) and snouted cobras (Naja annulifera annulifera). The majority of cases (56%) occurred in the autumn (March to May), with most being bitten by puff-adders. Dogs were 3 to 168 months old with a median of 36 months. No sex predilection was identified. Ten per cent of cases died because of the snake envenomation. Fifty-seven per cent and 43% of snakebites were puff-adders and cobras, respectively. There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups of snakes. Of the cobras 60% were the snouted cobra, 14% Mozambique spitting cobra, and 24% rhinkals. Swelling in the area of the bite, usually the face and forequarters, was the primary clinical abnormality. Significant haematological findings were leukocytosis (median 17.3 x 10(9)/l; range 0.4-44), neutrophilia (median 13.6 x 10(9)/l; range 0.3-39.9), band neutrophilia (median 0.4 x 10(9)/l; range 0-5.32), and thrombocytopaenia (median 124 x 10(9)/l; range 3-555). Dogs envenomated by a puff-adder and Mozambique spitting cobra had a greater degree of thrombocytopaenia: median of 68 and 66, respectively, versus 243 for the cobra group. The most commonly used treatments were intravenous fluids, antibiotics and glucocorticoids. Thirty-eight dogs were treated with polyvalent antiserum: 9 for puff-adder envenomation and 29 for cobra envenomation. Only 2 of the dogs that received antisera died, both of them of cobra envenomation. The study concluded that snake envenomation in dogs is associated with high morbidity but moderate mortality rate and that the most significant haematological abnormality is thrombocytopaenia.     

Coral Snake (Micrurus Fulvius Fulvius) Envenomation In Five Dogs: Present And Earlier Findings

The purpose of this study is to report on five cases of coral snake envenomation in the dog to substantiate earlier findings in four dogs reported previously, and to describe any additional clinical features that have not yet been noted. The combined results from both studies allow for a more accurate projection of the frequency of certain clinical signs. Both groups showed signs of lethargy, lower motor neuron weakness (8 of 9 dogs) and varying hematologic changes with hemolysis and hemoglobinuria occurring most commonly (7 of 9 dogs). Cardiac dysrhythmias were recorded infrequently (2 of 9 dogs). Not reported previously was the presence of a subtle bite wound located on the upper or lower lip of three dogs in the present series. An unexpected finding in this second series was the occurrence of an anaphylactoid reaction in one dog presumably attributed to the antivenin. Close examination of the lip might reveal the site of envenomation (as found in 4 of 9 dogs from both studies). Treatment with coral snake antivenin should be given as early as possible and followed by close observation for signs of anaphylaxis. The results of this study substantiate earlier findings and provide for a larger data base for further reference.     

日粮添加花生秧和苜蓿草粉对波麻杂交羊增重性能、内脏器官发育及血液指标的影响

为研究日粮添加花生秧和苜蓿草粉对肉羊增重性能、器官发育及血液指标的影响,选取4.5～5.0月龄、体重(21.40±1.15)kg的健康波麻杂交去势羊30只,随机分为3组,每组10只,饲喂花生秧、花生秧+苜蓿草粉、苜蓿草粉为粗饲料的日粮,采用全混合饲粮,各组日粮营养水平基本一致.预试期10 d,正试期60 d,试验始末称...     

青贮花生秧在饲料中的应用

花生秧是优质的粗饲料,其营养成分含量丰富,是较好的青贮饲料原料。本文综述了花生秧的营养特性及其作为青贮原料的利用方式。     

花生秧、壳在饲料行业中的应用现状

我国是花生（Arachis hypogaea）生产大国,花生秧、壳资源丰富,对花生秧、壳的综合利用不仅可以有效提高该产业的经济效益,而且有益于畜牧业的可持续发展。本研究综述了花生秧、壳的营养特性;探讨了作为一种优质的粗饲料来源,花生秧与甘薯（Ipomoea batatas）、玉米(Zea mays)秸秆等混合青贮的模式;以及花生壳作为膳食纤维、着色剂及抗氧化剂源等在饲料行业中的综合应用现状,旨在为合理有效地利用花生资源提供理论参考。     

藤茶黄酮对小鼠的急性中毒试验

用藤茶黄酮制成的混悬液对小鼠进行了急性中毒试验。结果表明,0.5,1.0,2.0,5.0g/kg剂量的藤茶黄酮对小鼠均无急性毒理作用,说明藤茶黄酮是一种无毒的物质。     

花生秧作为肉用绵羊单一粗饲料有效能值的测定与估测

本试验旨在用套算法和插值法测定与估测肉用绵羊花生秧有效能值,确定替代法中饲粮中适宜花生秧替代比例,为单一秸秆饲料有效能值的测定与估测提供方法学上的参考。选用体重为(45.00±1.96)kg的体况良好的杜泊×小尾寒羊F1肉用成年羯羊54只,采用随机区组设计,分为9组,饲粮分别为基础饲粮、全花生秧饲粮和分别以10%、20%、30%、40%、50%、60%、70%花生秧替代基础饲粮的试验饲粮,每组6个重复,每个重复1只羊。预试期10 d,正试期9 d,其中气体代谢试验3 d,消化代谢试验6 d。结果表明:1)全花生秧饲粮组花生秧干物质(DM)表观消化率与20%、30%、40%组间差异不显著(P0.05),显著高于其他各组(P0.05)。全花生秧饲粮组花生秧有机物(OM)表观消化率与20%组差异不显著(P0.05),但显著高于其他各组(P0.05)。全花生秧饲粮组花生秧总能(GE)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、粗脂肪(EE)表观消化率显著高于10%组(P0.05),粗蛋白质(CP)表观消化率显著低于10%组(P0.05),与其他各组间差异不显著(P0.05)。2)花生秧消化能(DE)、代谢能(ME)均具有相同的规律,即全花生秧饲粮组DE、ME(8.57、6.69 MJ/kg DM)与20%(8.22、6.58 M J/kg DM)、30%(8.02、6.50 M J/kg DM)、40%组(8.10、6.52 M J/kg DM)差异不显著(P0.05),但显著高于其他组(P0.05)。3)插值法求得花生秧M E"真值"为6.62 M J/kg DM,接近于套算法得到的花生秧ME。综合得出,套算法可以用于肉用绵羊估测花生秧(单一粗饲料)的DE和M E;用套算法测定花生秧秸秆类粗饲料有效能值,其在饲粮中的适宜替代比例为20%~40%。     

花生秧与玉米青贮配比对奶牛生产性能、血液指标及氮素利用的影响

本试验旨在为合理利用花生秧及提高氮素利用率提供理论依据。选择产奶量一致、处于泌乳中期、体重相近、胎次相同的12头中产荷斯坦奶牛,分为3组,每组4个重复。根据3×3拉丁方试验设计,试验分3期进行,每期预饲15d,采样期6d。分别饲喂含有不同花生秧与玉米青贮配比的全混合日粮(TMR),3种TMR中花生秧与玉米青贮的干物质(DM)配比分别为1.0∶3.9(A组)、1.0∶1.2(B组)、1.0∶0.4(C组)。结果表明,1)花生秧与玉米青贮配比对中产荷斯坦奶牛的干物质采食量、生产性能及血液指标没有显著影响(P0.05);2)奶牛的各乳成分组成均没有显著性差异(P0.05),但随着花生秧比例的增加,牛奶体细胞数有降低的趋势,B组较A组的体细胞数下降了35.4%;3)随着日粮中花生秧添加比例的增加,经济效益有所提高;4)日粮B显著降低了粪氮占摄入氮的比例(P0.05)。花生秧与玉米青贮配比在1.0∶1.2时,奶牛氮素利用及经济效益效果最佳。     

Dogs as vectors of Streptobacillus moniliformis infection?

Rat bite fever is a bacterial zoonosis transmitted through the bite of rats. One of the two etiological agents that cause rat bite fever is Streptobacillus moniliformis. Rat bite fever is rare and very likely under diagnosed but occurs worldwide. Other animals, like dogs and cats that have mouthed a rat are often mentioned in the literature as potential risks for the attraction of rat bite fever. However, rat bite fever caused by the bite of a dog or cat has very seldom been documented. Therefore, to identify the possible risk for humans to become infected with S. moniliformis after having been bitten by a dog that has been in contact with rats, the presence of S. moniliformis in the mouth of these dogs was tested with molecular methods. Swabs taken from the mouth of 18 dogs with proven contacts with rats were tested for the presence of S. moniliformis DNA by PCR. An amplicon of the right size was obtained in 10 of the 18 dogs. Nucleotide sequencing of five amplicons of PCR positive samples demonstrated the presence of S. moniliformis DNA in the mouth of three dogs. A bite by these dogs therefore might infect humans with S. moniliformis and cause rat bite disease.     

蛇毒神经毒素研究进展

我国的蛇类资源丰富,从理论意义和长远的经济效益考虑,蛇毒的研究是一个很有价值的方向。近年来,随着蛇毒神经毒素结构的确定、理化性质和药理性质的测定及蛇毒神经毒素的临床应用,其在镇痛功能方面表现出的维持时间长、效价高、无耐受性和无成瘾性等特点而倍受关注。蛇毒具有广泛的生物学活性,论文就蛇毒组分中近年来研究较为深入的神经毒素的结构、理化性质、药理作用及其应用等方面进行了综述。