Western Pygmy Rattlesnake Envenomation and Bite Management

The western pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius streckeri) belongs to the Crotalidae family (also known as pit vipers). The western pygmy rattlesnake is native to Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Although it is a small snake, envenomation often results in hospitalization and tissue necrosis. Medical stabilization and local wound care are critical to avoid late sequalae. We present the case of a 56-year-old man who was bitten on the right third digit. He required treatment with Crotalidae polyvalent immune fab antivenom and hospitalization, followed by 6 weeks of local wound care.