Hydrodynastes gigas (False Water Cobra) warning

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Posted by WW on August 23, 2000 at 03:56:18:

Since FWCs are commonly kept rear-fangs, and since discussions os their degree of danger come up regularly, and, moreover, since I have usually been on the "Oh, they are not that bad" side of the argument, this seems like a good time to share the contents of an abstract on a bite that I just came across:

"Case report: an 18-year-old male pet store employee was bit on the left wrist by an H. gigas. The snake remained attached for about 1.5 mins. The bite caused a small amount of swelling for which he took diphenhydramine twice within 3 hours. He reports receiving several bites previously with no effect. Apprximately 9 hours after the bite, he experienced 3 brief episodes of muscle paralysis causing him to fall, unable to move or speak. At the time of paramedic arrival, the swelling progressed from the fingertips to the elbow with numbness but no pain. On arrival to the ED vital signs were: HR 105 with 10 premature atrial contractions/min, RR 18, BP 120/80. The tachycardia resolved within 2 hours. The patient was observed overnight in hospital [...] Coagulation lab results remained normal [...]. On telephone follow-up, the patient reported swelling persisted for 5 days, but muscle pain and weakness persisted for 2 months."

Source:
Manning, B., M. Galbo & G. Klapman (1999) First report of a symptomatic South American false water cobra envenomation. Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxinology 37: 613

Bear in mind that this seems to represent an exceptional case - most people would not let the snake hang on for 1.5 mins. Many bites cause no symptoms at all. Other symptomatic bites have caused extensive swelling and nausea, but no serious systemic symptoms. The symptoms of repeated bursts of paralysis seem strange, but have been reported elsewhere from other snakes, such as Macrelaps microlepidotus and Maticora intestinalis (Bryan? You still here? Any views?).

Even so, this report demonstrates that Hydrodynastes has the *potential* to cause serious bites, so take it easy with this critter, and stay safe.

Cheers,

Wolfgang

Follow Ups:

Re: Hydrodynastes gigas (False Water Cobra) warning Tim Friede 08/25/00 (0)
"Great Article"! Hopefully now, more people will heed this good advice. NP Derek K. 08/23/00 (0)

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: Since FWCs are commonly kept rear-fangs, and since discussions os their degree of danger come up regularly, and, moreover, since I have usually been on the "Oh, they are not that bad" side of the argument, this seems like a good time to share the contents of an abstract on a bite that I just came across: : "Case report: an 18-year-old male pet store employee was bit on the left wrist by an H. gigas. The snake remained attached for about 1.5 mins. The bite caused a small amount of swelling for which he took diphenhydramine twice within 3 hours. He reports receiving several bites previously with no effect. Apprximately 9 hours after the bite, he experienced 3 brief episodes of muscle paralysis causing him to fall, unable to move or speak. At the time of paramedic arrival, the swelling progressed from the fingertips to the elbow with numbness but no pain. On arrival to the ED vital signs were: HR 105 with 10 premature atrial contractions/min, RR 18, BP 120/80. The tachycardia resolved within 2 hours. The patient was observed overnight in hospital [...] Coagulation lab results remained normal [...]. On telephone follow-up, the patient reported swelling persisted for 5 days, but muscle pain and weakness persisted for 2 months." : Source: : Manning, B., M. Galbo & G. Klapman (1999) First report of a symptomatic South American false water cobra envenomation. Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxinology 37: 613 : Bear in mind that this seems to represent an exceptional case - most people would not let the snake hang on for 1.5 mins. Many bites cause no symptoms at all. Other symptomatic bites have caused extensive swelling and nausea, but no serious systemic symptoms. The symptoms of repeated bursts of paralysis seem strange, but have been reported elsewhere from other snakes, such as Macrelaps microlepidotus and Maticora intestinalis (Bryan? You still here? Any views?). : Even so, this report demonstrates that Hydrodynastes has the *potential* to cause serious bites, so take it easy with this critter, and stay safe. : Cheers, : Wolfgang

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