[Practical guidelines for the treatment of cases of adder envenomation in dogs]

Every year, dogs are presented to veterinary clinics in the Netherlands after having been bitten by a viper. The viper is the only venomous snake native to the Netherlands. Clinical signs after an acquired viper bite can range from none (after a 'dry' bite) to very mild up to life threatening following a 'wet' bite. To prevent mortality it is important to monitor the animals for a period of time and provide adequate treatment. Clotting disorders and multiple organ failure can occur several days to a week after the viper bite, appropriate follow up is therefore important. In the Netherlands, a specific antiserum is available for veterinarians. The use of this antiserum is strongly recommended in severe cases of viper envenomation.