ABSTRACT
New World areas south of the US border support a rich snake fauna. Numerous venomous species are known, from both the Elapidae and Crotalidae families. The bushmaster, Lachesis muta, ranges from Nicaragua to northern South America. This is a huge snake, with many individuals reaching 2.0 m in length, and exceptional specimens growing as long as 3.6 m. Coral snake venom is primarily neurotoxic, producing a progressive skeletal muscle paralysis. The venoms of South American rattlesnakes also cause variable degrees of hemolysis. The released hemoglobin may impact the renal tubules, resulting in anuria. Necropsy lesions from animal envenomation by snakes producing a venom with proteolytic and/or coagulant action may include hepatic necrosis, renal necrosis, cardiomyopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and edema and necrosis at the bite site. Victims of bites from neurotoxic snakes require close observation and use of assisted respiration in the event of respiratory paralysis.
