Snake Bites

Boidae (Pythons): Nonvenomous snakes.
Colubridae: Predominantly harmless to large mammals; includes venomous species like the boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and vine snake (Thelotornis capensis).
Elapidae: Venomous snakes, includes North American coral snakes (Micruroides euryxanthus and multiple Micrurus fulvius subspecies). Restricted to southern US; associated with neurotoxic venom leading to systemic neurological signs.
Viperidae: Divided into subfamilies Viperinae (Old World vipers) and Crotalinae (pit vipers). Crotalids are widely distributed across North America and responsible for most snakebite deaths in humans and animals, including snakes like rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp), cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus), and copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix).

Statistics: 150,000 to 300,000 animals bitten annually by pit vipers in the US. Dogs are most susceptible and have higher mortality rates compared to larger animals.
Species Susceptibility: Smaller dogs are at higher risk; horses and cattle experience less frequent fatalities but can suffer severe injuries from bites.

Elapids: Neurotoxic venom delivered by short fangs, causing respiratory paralysis.
Crotalids: Hemotoxic venom with potential neurotoxic components; characterized by long, hinged fangs that allow effective venom delivery.

Nonvenomous Bites: Only local injury with superficial marks.
Crotalid Bites: Severe local damage, tissue discoloration, and potential for necrosis; neurologic signs if neurotoxic venom involved.
Elapid Bites: Minimal pain and swelling; predominantly systemic signs such as ataxia, muscle fasciculations, and respiratory distress.

Evidence includes bite wounds and clinical signs. Consultation may assist in snake identification. Snakebite signs can be confused with other conditions; proper identification is crucial for effective treatment.

Immediate Action: Keep the animal calm; avoid ineffective first aid measures.
Antivenom: Key treatment; must be administered promptly (ideally within 6 hours) to neutralize venom effectively. Various types of antivenom are available for specific snake envenomations.
Supportive Care: IV fluids, monitoring for tissue damage, and treatment for neurological deficits as required.
Antibiotics: Not routinely used unless tissue necrosis is evident.
Tetanus antitoxin: Consideration especially in cases of severe bites, particularly for horses.

Dependent on snake species, location of bite, and treatment timing; full recovery is often possible with elapid bites while crotalid bites may lead to long-term sequelae, including necrosis and loss of function.