Exotic snakebite, an unusual emergency. A case report and therapeutic considerations

Envenomation by exotic poisonous snakes constitutes a rare emergency in Western Europe, but which in the future may be seen more frequently due to the increasing number of captive specimens in private collections. A case report of moderate envenomation by a viper is described. Diagnostic problems and therapeutic management are discussed for viper envenomation. The importance of differentiating between local and systemic poisoning is emphasized.