Major coagulopathy and "nonpoisonous" snake bites

Area of Science:

• Herpetology
• Toxicology
• Hematology

Background:

• Rear-fanged snakes are typically considered nonvenomous.
• Disseminated coagulopathy is a severe bleeding disorder.

Observation:

• Two cases of disseminated coagulopathy following bites from rear-fanged snakes were documented.
• These snakes are commonly found in the United States.

Findings:

• The envenomation resulted in significant bleeding complications.
• Coagulopathy was a prominent feature in both reported cases.

Implications:

• Clinically significant envenomation by "harmless" snakes is possible.
• Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for snakebite must consider these "nonvenomous" species.
• This challenges current classifications of snake venom severity.