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Vipera ammodytes BITE !!!
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by Snake18 on September 2, 2005
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Hy guys,
Constantin Tiberiu Sahlean(aka God_Sahly), a third year biology student in Romania, hot herp keeper, member of this site, and a very close friend of mine arrived in hospital today in critical condition after being bitten by one of his 3 day old Vipera ammodytes ammodytes neonates. He got bit on a finger while moving the snake in another ecnlosure. At first he gave no importance to the bite, but as it started to swell emediatly, he got concerned. His face started to swell, his lips...and he realised he was going into anaphylactic shock. Even thow his father was home and could have taken him to hospital by car, he probably panniked and ran to the hospital. He made it to the hospital in about 10 minutes but by the time he got there he colapsed. He had no pulse, and dangerously low blood presure. At the hospital, he got 3 shots of adrenaline and recovered from the shock. When I saw him, about 4 hours after the bite, his face was still swolen, his blood presure was closer to normal, he was conciouse but his arm was heavily swollen up to his sholder. It was a serious bite, that could have had serious consequinces. The hospital had antivenom but he refused to take it. Anyway, when I last spoke to him on the phone he said that the swelling has gone down a little bit and that he`ll probably be back home tomorow.
This was a serious reminder to me that even theese baby snakes could prove to be deadly. I had no ideea that a 3 day old viper could do such damage. I`m glad that he`s out of harms way now. This will be a permanent reminder to both of us.
Best regards, Alex S.
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RE: Vipera ammodytes BITE !!!
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by Phobos on September 2, 2005
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I'm sure I can speak for all of the members of SHHS in wishing a speedy recovery. Keep us posted on his recovery.
Serious coagulation problems can occur with bites from this species. Please make sure the doctors are keeping careful watch on his clotting factors.
My neo-nate V. ammodytes, who I named "Dennis the menace" has an outragious feeding response. That snake glides after whatever moves inside his enclosure, mouth open! Nothing subtile about him.
It is my opinnion that every Hot keeper should get their physician to write a script for a Epi-pen and also have Benedryl on hand in case of allergic reaction to an accidental bite. Who knows (god only) if you got sensitized to venom in the routine process of feeding or cleaning cages. NO excuse for not having these EASY to get, life saving drugs in your refrigerator.
Cheers!
Al
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RE: Vipera ammodytes BITE !!!
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by Rabies on September 2, 2005
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Hope your friend recovers quickly. The symptoms that you described ie the swelling of the face and lips, low blood pressure etc are classic signs of systemic envenomation by european vipers, especially so in V. ammodytes. Its not a true allergic reaction but its the VENOM causing the release of histamine and other vaso dialators. He was little bit foolish to refuse antivenom, but I wish him the best of luck.
John
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RE: Vipera ammodytes BITE !!!
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by Snake18 on September 2, 2005
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My friend was stabil last night(being as it`s morning here now). His arm was still swollen, but his vitals were good. He has to call me soon and tell me his condition. I gotta tell you guys, he scared the crap out of me. I almost cried on the wat to the hospital...
Best regards, Alex S.
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RE: Vipera ammodytes BITE !!!
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by Phobos on September 3, 2005
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I understand Alex. Snakebite is always a very serious accident, even more so when friends or family are involved. Glad his condition is improving.
Al
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RE: Vipera ammodytes BITE !!!
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by Snake18 on September 3, 2005
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He`s out of hospitall, his hand is still pretty swollen but he`s outside of any danger. His clotting agent seems to be ok. Glad that`s over...
Alex S.
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