North American snake envenomation in the dog and cat

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2011 Nov;41(6):1239-59. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2011.08.008.

Abstract

Snake envenomation can be a cause of significant morbidity in dogs and cats in North America. Being familiar with the venomous snakes in your area and understanding the mechanisms of action of their venom will allow for successful treatment of envenomation cases. Treatment of snake envenomation revolves around supportive care in mild to moderate cases and venom neutralization with antivenom in severe cases. Dogs and cats envenomated by North American snakes have a good prognosis if treated appropriately.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use*
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cat Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cat Diseases / pathology
  • Cats
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dog Diseases / drug therapy
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Dog Diseases / pathology
  • Dogs
  • Snake Bites / drug therapy
  • Snake Bites / epidemiology
  • Snake Bites / pathology
  • Snake Bites / veterinary*
  • Species Specificity
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antivenins