
Prairie Rattlesnake Envenomation in 27 New World Camelids
Author(s) -
Sonis J.M.,
Hackett E.S.,
Callan R.J.,
Holt T.N.,
Hackett T.B.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.12143
Subject(s) - envenomation , tachypnea , medicine , case fatality rate , crotalus , tachycardia , venom , biology , epidemiology , ecology
Background Morbidity and case fatality from rattlesnake envenomation is regionally specific because of variability in relative toxicity of the species of snake encountered. A previous report of rattlesnake envenomation in N ew W orld camelids ( NWC ) from the western coastal U nited S tates documented high case fatality rates and guarded prognosis for survival. Hypothesis/Objectives To describe clinical findings, treatments, and outcome of NWC with prairie rattlesnake ( C rotalus viridis viridis ) envenomation in the R ocky M ountain region of the U nited S tates. Animals Twenty‐seven NWC admitted to the C olorado S tate U niversity V eterinary T eaching H ospital for evaluation of acute rattlesnake envenomation between 1992 and 2012. Methods Medical records of NWC evaluated for rattlesnake envenomation as coded by the attending clinician and identified by a database search were reviewed retrospectively. Month of admission, signalment, area of bite, clinical and clinicopathologic data, treatments, and outcome were recorded. Results Twenty‐five llamas and 2 alpacas were admitted for envenomation. Llamas were overrepresented compared to hospital caseload. The face was the most common site of envenomation, observed in 96% of recorded cases. Presenting clinical signs included fever, tachypnea, tachycardia, and respiratory distress. Nine animals required a tracheotomy. Median hospitalization time was 3 days and overall survival rate was 69%. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Case fatality rate for prairie rattlesnake envenomation in NWC was lower than that reported in the W estern coastal region of the U nited S tates and similar to that reported for prairie rattlesnake envenomation in horses.