Adder Bites

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Introduction

The adder, also known as the viper, is native to many parts of the UK, where it is the only poisonous snake living in the wild [1]. 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 [2]. [1]. Adder bites can be accommpanied by the injection of venom [1], by one of the most sophisticated of mechanisms seen in the animal kingdom [3], or they can be venom-less in which case the damaged caused to the victim is limited to the puncture wounds [1].

Signalment

Adder bites have been reported in dogs, cats and horses [4].

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Laboratory Tests

Pathology

Treatment

Prognosis

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Bites-snake/Pages/Introduction.aspxaccessed on 10.11.2010
  2. Treatment of bites by adders and exotic venomous snake,Warrell DA,BMJ 2005;331:1244 doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7527.1244(Published 12 november 2005)
  3. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/adder, accessed on 10.11.2010
  4. http://www.fabcats.org/owners/poisons/Cats%20and%20poisons.html, accessed on 10.11.2010