Coagulation abnormalities induced by Russell's viper venom in the rhesus monkey

Coagulation studies were carried out in a group of non-human primates (rhesus monkeys) following envenomation with lethal and sublethal doses of Russell's viper venom. The envenomated animals showed significant fibrinogenopenia in association with or without disseminated intravascular coagulation. The findings offer a rational explanation for the bleeding manifestations seen in clinical cases of Russell's viper bite.