Fatal bothropic snakebite in a horse: a case report

Silva NS (1), Silveira JAS (1), Albernaz TT (1), Campos KF (1), Oliveira CMC (1), Freitas NFQR (1), Bomjardim HA (1), Barbosa JD (1)

(1) Veterinary Diagnostic Center (CEDIVET), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Castanhal, Pará State, Brazil.

Abstract: The present study reports a snakebite in a horse in the state of Pará, Brazil. At initial evaluation the animal was reluctant to walk and had tachycardia, tachypnea, severe lameness, bleeding on the pastern and swelling around the left hind leg. Blood samples from the bleeding sites, took on the first day, showed leukocytosis and neutrophilia, whereas biochemical values of urea and creatinine were significantly increased. The chosen treatment was snake antivenom, fluid therapy, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents and diuretic drugs. On the fourth day of therapy, the hematological values were within normal parameters. There was improvement related to the clinical lameness and swelling of the limb. However, a decrease in water intake and oliguria were observed. On the seventh day the animal died. Necropsy revealed areas of hemorrhagic edema in the left hind limb and ventral abdomen; the kidneys presented equimosis in the capsule, and when cut they were wet. Moreover, the cortex was pale, slightly yellow and the medullary striae had the same aspect. Based on these data, we concluded that the snakebite in the present study was caused by Bothrops spp. and that renal failure contributed to death.

Key words: snakebites, horses, Bothrops.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2011

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: May 27, 2011.

Accepted: August 10, 2011.

Abstract published online: August 17, 2011.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2011.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO

NATÁLIA DA SILVA E SILVA, Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário (CEDIVET), Universidade Federal do Pará, Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Castanhal, 68740-080, PA, Brasil. Phone/fax: +55 91 3721 1686. Email: nataliasilva@ufpa.br.