Boomslang envenomation in a dog

This case report describes a young male German Shepherd dog that presented with bleeding from the lip 24 hours after being bitten by a boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Bites from this snake are infrequently encountered in dogs due to the shy habits of the snake. The boomslang venom is a potent procoagulant causing a consumption coagulopathy with resultant profuse haemorrhage. The only effective treatment is the administration of specific antiserum. Antiserum administration in this patient resulted in cessation of bleeding within one hour after administration. The article also discusses treatment options if antiserum is unavailable. This is the first recorded case of boomslang envenomation in the dog.