ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to acquaint the veterinarian with reptile envenomations from reptiles found in the United States. Local signs associated with envenomation include fang marks resembling puncture wounds, the number of which may be variable. Traditional envenomation treatment protocols have advocated broad-based antibiotics for coverage of gram-negative bacteria, but this may not bear up under investigational scrutiny. Experimental antivenin has been produced for Gila monster envenomation but is not commercially available. Fortunately, envenomation in humans, and likely in animals, responds well to supportive treatment. Diazepam to calm the animal may be useful but is relatively contraindicated in envenomations involving the coral snake because of the primarily neurotoxic venom effects and potentiation of respiratory depression. The animal victim’s autopharmacologic response to envenomation may also add to the problems. The enzymes in the venom may trigger release of bradykinin, histamine, and serotonin, which may cause an anaphylactoid reaction.
