Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) envenomation resulting from captive specimens--a review of five cases

Five cases of illegitimate bite by captive specimens of the Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) snake have demonstrated the dangers of keeping exotic African snakes in captivity.

Four cases necessitated hospitalization for the bite and were characterized by progressive swelling of the affected limb, local necrosis and hemorrhagic edema near the wound, chest tightness and prolonged coagulation times. However, platelet counts were not altered. All patients received antivenom and had uneventful recovery, except for one who underwent amputation of a distal phalanx and one who required debridement. In the fifth case, the patient died without being able to summon help.

The results of this case series emphasize the need for extreme care to be exercised with the captivity of exotic snakes, such as the Gaboon viper. The increasing popularity of this snake as a captive pet predicates the need for private collectors to have a pre-existing treatment strategy with their local emergency centers. Such arrangements may facilitate the treatment of envenomation by this snake.