Prairie rattlesnake envenomation in 27 New World camelids
J M Sonis1, E S Hackett, R J Callan
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Prairie rattlesnake envenomation in New World camelids (NWC) resulted in a 69% survival rate, lower than previously reported in coastal regions. Clinical signs included fever and respiratory distress, with facial bites being most common.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Rattlesnake envenomation outcomes vary regionally due to species-specific venom toxicity.
- Previous studies on New World camelids (NWC) in the western US reported high mortality rates from rattlesnake bites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinical signs, treatments, and outcomes of NWC following prairie rattlesnake envenomation in the Rocky Mountain region.
- To compare fatality rates with those reported in other geographic areas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 27 NWC (25 llamas, 2 alpacas) treated for rattlesnake envenomation at a veterinary hospital between 1992 and 2012.
- Data collected included signalment, bite location, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, treatments administered, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- The face was the most common envenomation site (96%).
- Common clinical signs included fever, tachypnea, tachycardia, and respiratory distress.
- The overall survival rate was 69%, with a median hospitalization of 3 days; 9 animals required tracheotomy.
Conclusions:
- The case fatality rate for prairie rattlesnake envenomation in NWC in the Rocky Mountain region is lower than in the coastal western US.
- Outcomes for NWC with prairie rattlesnake envenomation are comparable to those reported for horses in similar regions.
