Adder Bites

Introduction

The adder, also known as the viper, is native to many parts of the UK, where it is the only venomous snake living in the wild . Adder bites are most frequent between february and october. The habitat of the common european adder (Vipera Berus) extends throughout England, Wales, Scotland and some islands off the coast of Scotland, and the isle of Wight . . Adder bites can be accommpanied by the injection of venom , through one of the most sophisticated mechanisms seen in the animal kingdom , or they can be venom-less in which case the damaged caused to the victim is limited to the puncture wounds . The mortality rate in dogs that have received venomous bites is thought to be 3.5% to 4% . In dogs the most common site of the bite is the head, followed by the forelimb .

Signalment

Adder bites have been reported in dogs, cats and horses .

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

• Swelling at puncture site
• Altered Mentation
• Cardiac Abnormalities
• Initial Pyrexia

Laboratory Tests

• Biochemistry: Transient elevations in one or more of the following parameters may be seen; Alanine Aminotransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Bile Acids, Glutamate Dehydrogenase and Creatinine Kinase .

Treatment

• Antiserum:
• Supportive Treatment'
  • Fluid Therapy:
  • Analgesia
  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Anti-biotics