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Biology of Rattlesnakes Day Two
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by Phobos on January 17, 2005
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This symposium has some of the most notable Rattlesnake Researchers and Snakebite physicians for the past 40 years. Findley Russell, Joseph Gennaro, Henry Fitch, and Robert Stebbons to name a few. Personally, I am meeting and having the opportunity to talk to people I feel "mentored" my interest in Venomous Snakes and Snakes in general. My head is ready to explode with all of the information being presented. Today was mostly about RS venom, snakebite and treatment. Here's a few tidbits I picked out of my mushy brain tonight to share.
Sometimes Antivenoms don't work on a snakebite at all, they reported today. They have no idea why this happens but Antivenom seems to be somewhat less than 100% effective. They think that the particular snakes venom is so different from the normal populations venom that the A/V was made from it has no effect. For instance the population of D. russelli that inhabits Sri Lanka that was seen on O'shea's Big Adventure. Keep in mind that Marks show on this problem is related to a whole population, what they were talking about is an "odd ball" snake.
Dr S. Bush's talk was about Snakebite first aid; If you get bit...never do or allow the following two things to be done to you:
Any sort of cutting of the bite or use an extractor. The "extractor" just "Sucks" according to his research. It actually causes tissue damage & necrosis and does NOT remove any venom.
If a physician tries to do a Faciotomy on you "fire" the doctor and ask for someone else but don't let them do it.
He also presented data that a pressure bandage like is used for Elapids envenomation can be useful on Rattlesnakes with MOSTLY neurotoxic venoms like C. s. scutulatus with Type A venom or Neurotoxic Canebrakes like from the Osceloa area of Florida. His said it will keep you from dying before getting AV but once you put it on DON'T remove it till the AV is onboard. The down side to using a pressure bandage is that is does raise Intracompartmental pressure but that won't matter if you die before you get to the hospital. I say again: Don't use this for any snake but the ones that are STRICTLY neurotoxic.
Crofab was discussed extensively today and the conclusion is that it's not a "perfect AV". Yes, the incidence of adverse reaction is lower than the Wyeth AV because it is just a "fragment" of the IgG molecule rather than the whole IgG molecule. This actually causes the main downside to CroFab which is that it is eliminated from the body very quickly. They are finding that it works too fast and is out of your system before all of the venom in your tissue is neutralized. Many patients need more Crofab a few days (36 hrs.)after the bite to neutralize more venom that is now in circulation, so they think. Regardless of why it happens, if you get Crofab you need to have post discharge blood work to make sure your ability to clot is in the normal range.
I have other cool stuff to talk about, like how to get neonate RS's to eat but my brain is fried for the day and I need some sleep.
Best,
Al
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RE: Biology of Rattlesnakes Day Two
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by RepFan on January 17, 2005
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Al,
Thanks for the update on the symposium. I wish I was there. Can't wait to see the pics and hear the rest of the story. See any others from the society (S.H.H.S.)?
Later,
Todd
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RE: Biology of Rattlesnakes Day Two
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by Rabies on January 18, 2005
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Nice summary mate, I just wish the UK was not so far away. I dont suppose you where given any informatiom booklets on "snake bite and Venom" that your willing to Email a copy?
Thanks
John
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RE: Biology of Rattlesnakes Day Two
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by Phobos on January 18, 2005
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Hi Everybody:
Most everything I've discussed is published. If you download the Abstracts from the symposium website you can do a publication search using the authors name.
http://www.roblee.com/rattlesnakes/
I see Chris Harper & Brian Smith every day. I think they will tell you that they were blown away by the symposium also. I just happen to always travel with my laptop, so I can give updates. They will have information to share when they get back I imagine.
Cheers!
Al
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RE: Biology of Rattlesnakes Day Two
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by Buzztail1 on January 18, 2005
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Al, it looks as though you have an excellent article in the making. If you will put it all together and email it to me, I will be happy to check it over and send it on to Greg for inclusion in the next newsletter.
It sounds like you are having a great time.
Wish I could have stayed longer.
Karl
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RE: Biology of Rattlesnakes Day Two
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by ALA_herp31 on January 18, 2005
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Thanks for the updates Al, I would have loved to have heard Dr. S. Bush speak, I really have a lot of respect for him and he’s work. Please keep us up to date on the rest of the info that comes from the symposium. Keep up the good work, thanks again.........Be safe, happy herping, Wally
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RE: Biology of Rattlesnakes Day Two
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by Phobos on January 18, 2005
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Hi:
Dr. Bush also has my deep respect. He was always available for anyone who wanted to talk to him. He is still a very humble man inspite of his new popularity.
They are considering another season of Venom ER, everyone will be pleased to know he does not think much of Austin Stevens and his antics.
Karl:
Will do; but my brain is fried from all of the info and needs a day or two of rest to sort it all out. Also, maybe my effort should be coordinated with Chris & Brian.
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