Venomous snakes of southwest Asia

This report provides a brief description of the venomous snakes encountered in Southwest Asia, as well as a brief review of the clinical implications of envenomation from each animal. Specific therapy for snake envenomation in the United States is somewhat controversial, and it is no less controversial with animals from this region. The most logical approach probably combines medical management with antivenom when available, and surgical intervention when clearly indicated due to elevated compartment pressure or massive tissue necrosis. Antivenom is available for all species except W aegyptia (in vitro only) and Atractaspis species. Antivenom for V palaestinae may be used for Atractaspis envenomation (Tables 2 and 3).