Emergency Medicine Case of the Week

Case #2 -- Rattlesnake Bite

Case Presentation By:  Susan Lipps, Andrea Torres, and Rusty Truman.

Patient Profile: "Shone", a 7-year old, castrated male, mixed breed dog, CSU ID #164666.

History: "Shone" was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital on May 19 at 3:02 PM.  The owner heard "Shone" barking and went out to investigate.  "Shone" was found to be barking at a rattlesnake and the owner witnessed the snake bite her dog on the nose.  "Shone" was called from the snake and placed in the house.  The owner retrieved a gun and proceeded to "empty the gun" thus killing the snake. 

Physical Examination:  Heart and pulse rate = 140/minute. Respiratory rate = panting.  Body weight = 38.5 kg.  Two apparent bite wounds on the dorsum of the skull and nose.  Generalized facial swelling which is progressively worsening.  No apparent affect on airway.

Click on the image to see an enlargement

Questions:

• List some differential diagnoses for facial swelling in the dog.
• Describe how you can diagnose whether or not "Shone" was envenomated by a rattlesnake.
• If "Shone's" owner had called and asked you whether he should apply ice packs, apply a tourniquet, or suck out the poison, how would you respond to each of these inquires?
• Describe your treatment priorities for "Shone".
• Explain your rationale for the administration antivenin.
• List one reason corticosteroids might be contraindicated following rattlesnake envenomation..
• Indicate whether antihistamines are contraindicated.
• Predict what you would expect to see from a total platelet count (increased, decreased, or normal).

Answers and Discussion:

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Copyright Wayne E. Wingfield, Colorado State University, 1998.  All rights reserved.
This page was last updated:  09/04/98