Clinical features and management of snake bites in 70 dogs in Korea
- Author:
Dongseok KIM
1
;
Seonghoon KIM
;
Jin-Kyung KIM
;
Jae Hyun LIM
;
Geonho CHOI
;
Seulgi BAE
;
Young-Sam KWON
;
Min JANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Veterinary Science 2022;23(6):e81-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Snakebites remain a devastating and life-threatening environmental hazard.While the management of snakebites has been well described in humans, few clinical data and guidelines exist for dogs, especially in Korea.
Objectives:This retrospective study evaluated the clinical features of 70 dogs with snakebite wounds in Korea.
Methods:The medical records of 72 dogs that presented to three animal hospitals from June 2008 to July 2021 were reviewed; among these, 70 dogs that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Their signalment, history, clinical signs, physical examination, blood analysis, treatment, and prognosis were also evaluated.
Results:Of 70 dog owners, 35 (50%) witnessed the bite, with a mean time between bite and hospital presentation of 9.7 ± 4.1 h in 58 dogs. Blood smears were evaluated in 45 dogs, of which 28 (62%) showed echinocytosis. Anemia and acute kidney injury were found in 21 (29%) and 2 dogs (3%), respectively. A total of 37 dogs (53%) were hospitalized, 5 (7%) of which died.
Conclusions:The most significant finding was the high prevalence of echinocytosis. The data from this retrospective study could inform the management of dogs bitten by snakes in Korea.
