Suspected Vipera palaestinae envenomation in three cats

Vipera palaestinae is the only venomous snake in Israel whose envenomation is clinically significant. It is found in most of the populated areas of the country. The venom of Vipera palaestinae has hemorrhagic and neurotoxic activity. Viper snake envenomation always demonstrates local effects with or without systemic effects. Cats are considered more resistant to snake bites than other animals. Although several case reports of snakebites in cats have been published, this is the first report which describes cases of cats suspected of being bitten by Vipera palaestinae. These cases differ in their severity and in their clinical presentation. Hemoconcentration occurred in 2 cases; and anemia, hypoproteinemia, hemolysis and the appearance of nucleated erythrocytes in another. Thrombocytopenia varied from mild to moderate to severe. These variations reflect the stage and severity of envenomation, and may be due to factors in the snake and/or victim and the time lapsed since the bite occurred.