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  Discussion on First Aid for Snake Bites...
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Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 18, 2003 - 8:26 am:

Toxicon 2003 Mar 1;41(3):357-365<br>
The efficacy of two antivenoms against the venom of North American snakes.<br><br>Sanchez EE, Galan JA, Perez JC, Rodri;guez-Acosta A, Chase PB, Perez JC.<br>Department of Biology, Natural Toxins Research Center (NTRC), Texas A&amp;M University-Kingsville, MSC 158, 78363-8202, Kingsville, TX, USA<br><br>Mortality due to snake envenomation is not a major problem in the United States with approximately 8-12 deaths per year, but envenomation is a serious problem that can result in functional disability, loss of extremities, and a costly recovery. Physicians encounter different clinical situations with each new snakebite victim because of the geographical variations in snake venoms. The best and most acceptable form of treatment is the use of antivenom; however, it must be administered as soon as possible since it is not so effective at reducing local signs of envenomation such as necrosis. The antivenom in the United States is in short supply, expensive and may not even be the most effective for neutralizing all North American snake venoms. In this study, we tested two antivenoms. The first was a Crotalidae Polyvalent Fab fragment with Ovine origin (FabO) manufactured in London, and the second was Antivipmyn, a Mexican manufactured antivenom that is F(ab')(2) fragment produced in horse (Fab(2)H). The efficacy of the two antivenoms was tested with 15 different snake venoms found in North America. Three different assays were used to test the efficacy of the antivenoms, the in vivo serum protection test (ED(50)), antihemorrhagic and anticoagulant. The Fab(2)H antivenom was most effective in neutralizing the hemorrhagic activity of 78% of the hemorrhagic venoms used in this study. In the ED(50) assay, the Fab(2)H antivenom was effective in neutralizing all venoms used in this study, while FabO neutralized all but C. m. molossus venom. However, in most cases, FabO required less antivenom than Fab(2)H antivenom to neutralize three LD(50).<hr><br>
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New Member:
Judyt

Posted on Monday, Nov 14, 2005 - 7:59 pm:

I have a question in reference to a snake bite. A friends horse apparently got bitten by a copperhead snake in the chest. They took him to the vet and they think that is what happened to him. He had become very swollen and was beginning to have a hard time walking. The vet found a wound on his chest. They cut a big X in his chest to let it drain. The smell was awful from infection and we guess dead tissue. Now one day later he is just oozing something that looks like dead tissue. They have him on three different antibiotics. Has anyone had an experience like this? Is this normal for a snake bite? He is still swollen but eating and drinking. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Judy
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2005 - 8:55 am:

Not for a copperhead which usually causes moderate swelling and perhaps a small amount of necrosis and drainage around the puncture wounds. Also this would be an unusual location. I almost always see copperhead (a very common snake in our area) bite on the nose but suppose it could also happen on the lower legs of horses.
DrO
New Member:
Judyt

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2005 - 11:35 am:

We do think it is in an unusual spot for a bite, but where the horses are is a large dirt pile and we believe the snake may have been sunning himself. It has been so warm here. This morning he is still oozing the dead tissue and infection. Will the antibiotics stop the infection and the tissue loss. Or will the tissue continue to die? This is awful!! Their vet said that you need for the tissue and infection to drain. I can't believe there is that much in there. Just keep him in your prayers.
Member:
Kari

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2005 - 4:52 pm:

Judy,

Can't speak to the snake bite but a 3yr. filly of mine developed an abscess in the neck from an injection. The area of the abscess swelled to approx. 12" in width and at least 1" in height. The abscess was drained and antibiotics given along flushing the wound with approx. 20 ccs of
hyDrOgen peroxide daily. It took approx. 2 wks. for the site to drain and you wouldn't believe the amount of dead flesh and pus that came out of it. It is now gone with only a small bump at the site to show where it was. Hopefully your situation will have the same results.

S. T.
Member:
Lilly

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2005 - 7:47 pm:

Judy,
Is the vet positive that it is a snake bite? Did he find puncture holes? Could it possibly be a spider bite, like a brown recluse? I know their bites cause the flesh to die.
Member:
Judyt

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 16, 2005 - 11:54 am:

We don't know exactly what happened to him. We were all assuming it was a snake bite or spider. Now we just don't know. We think he has a small hole in his esophogus because when she squirted some medicine in his throat today some came of the hole in his chest. Maybe the stuff that looked like oatmeal was actually grain. This is so bizarre. He has no fever but the hole is getting bigger. They are taking him to the vet again now. Anyone have any ideas? We are at such a loss.
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 16, 2005 - 12:10 pm:

I have no ideas, Judy, amd will be very interested to know what the vet discovers.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 16, 2005 - 5:13 pm:

I don't know Judy, certainly any tissue already dead will continue to necrose away and whether the antibiotic will stop it depends on the nature of the infection and whether it is sensitive to your antibiotics. It sounds like you have a wide spectrum of antibiotics going in and most abscesses like this will be stopped with good wound care and antibiotics see Equine Diseases » Skin Diseases » Wounds / Burns » Long Term Deep Wound Care.
DrO
Member:
Vickiann

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 16, 2005 - 5:22 pm:

I wonder about the possibility of him running into or rolling onto a branch or something that got into his chest and broke off inside, (I know a horse this happened to) but expect the Vet. did a thorough enough examination to look for foreign objects? One of mine got a terrific chest wound once from running into a gate that had some sharp areas on it. I replaced all those gates promptly and had to treat the proud flesh once it began to heal.
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