Written by Benjamin German, MD A rare occurrence recently unfolded as a Colorado man succumbed to a bite from a captive Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). These venomous lizards, native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, are renowned as one of the few medically significant venomous lizards globally, alongside the Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum). While past reports of fatalities from Gila monster bites are scant and poorly documented, this recent incident offers a glimpse into the potentially life-threatening effects of their venom on humans. Gila monsters ..read more

Venomous snakes, particularly vipers, have long captured the imagination of humanity. From ancient myths to modern scientific study, these creatures have intrigued and sometimes terrified us. Central to their fearsome reputation is their venom – a complex cocktail of bioactive molecules designed for subduing prey and defending against threats. Here, we delve into the fascinating world of venom components in vipers, exploring their diversity, functions, and potential applications. ASF herpetologists at work! Dr. Cara Smith extracts venom from a black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) held by Dr. A ..read more

Snakebite is a global health concern, and antivenoms are crucial in mitigating their impact. In this post, we'll unravel the complexities of snakebite antivenoms, breaking down key terms like monovalent, polyvalent, specific, paraspecific, and lyophilized to provide a clearer understanding. Antivenoms come in two primary types: monovalent and polyvalent. Monovalent antivenoms target a specific snake species, offering a focused defense against its venom. Picture them as specialists tailored for a particular snake, providing precise protection. Conversely, polyvalent antivenoms are designed to ..read more

In the United States, a variety of institutions, including zoos, laboratories, and private facilities, house venomous snakes from around the world for various purposes. While stringent safety measures are in place to prevent bites, the potential for human error is omnipresent. Native antivenom, such as Anavip and Crofab, is typically stocked in hospitals, yet the same cannot be said for non-native antivenom. For instance, a king cobra bite necessitates antivenom from the Thai Red Cross in Thailand. Historically, the responsibility of stocking antivenom for exotic snake bites has fallen on the ..read more

The Antivenin Nearctic Crotalidae treated bites by crotalids such as cottonmouths (picture by Meg Jerrard on Unsplash) Snakebites have challenged humans for centuries. Without a proper understanding of how snake venoms worked, physicians used the same ineffective treatments through much of history. These practices included manually sucking the venom out of a wound or serving Theriac, a concoction made of herbs, spices, opium, ground-up snakes, and even powdered mummies, to the victim. These remedies remained popular in western medicine into the seventeenth century.1 Antivenom, or antivenin, w ..read more

Pregnancy is a unique and life-changing journey, but it can also bring unexpected challenges and risks. One such risk, though rare, is the possibility of a snakebite. Snakebites during pregnancy require careful and prompt attention due to potential risks for both the mother and the unborn child. It is important for patients and their healthcare providers to understand the essential aspects of snakebite treatment in pregnancy, emphasizing safety measures for both the mother and her developing baby. Understanding the Risks Snakebites during pregnancy can be particularly concerning due to the po ..read more

Snakebites are a global health crisis, affecting millions of people every year. Venomous snakes can deliver a lethal dose of venom with a single bite, making immediate treatment a matter of life or death. Thankfully, immunology pioneers in the 1890’s were the first to develop snake antivenom…and we still use the same process today! Snake venom is a complex cocktail of various proteins, enzymes, and other substances, each with its unique effects on the human body. These venom components can cause severe tissue damage, interfere with blood clotting, can cause paralysis, and even lead to organ fa ..read more

Every spring, as the weather warms up, we want to shed our winter coats and get out with the dogs onto trails and into open spaces. Unfortunately, as our pooches explore the environment with their noses, they may encounter snakes coming out of brumation. This can cause concerns for dog owners. Many will ask their vets, “What can I do?” Unfortunately, some vets will recommend the rattlesnake vaccine. Touted to “buy time” getting to an emergency clinic or even to ward off the envenomation, the rattlesnake vaccine is an often used but poorly supported treatment for dogs. The rattlesnake vaccine ..read more

Many people ask about the antivenoms that are used for envenomations in dogs and cats, so here is your immunology lesson for the week. We have three veterinary-specific products available to us: Venom Vet, Rattler, and ACP. These are all licensed to be used for ALL North American pit viper bites (rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths). It is rare to use CroFab or Anavip (the human pit viper antivenoms) in veterinary medicine due to the cost and the fact that there are labeled products for animals, but either could be used in animals. Coral snake antivenom is a human product that we use ..read more

Approximately 9,000 snakebite envenomations occur yearly in the United States.  Most of these envenomations are due to pit vipers, including rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads.  Fortunately, due to rapid access to medical care, deaths are rare, with only 3 to 5 occurring nationwide each year.  Our emergency medical system is the first link in the chain of treating patients.  In comparison to many areas of the world, the U.S. has an advanced system of highly-trained EMTs and paramedics skilled in the prompt assessment, stabilizati ..read more