Successful snakebite treatment in three juvenile African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) with polyvalent antivenom: A Namibian case report

Authors

  • Florian J Weise N/a’an ku sê Research Programme
  • Rudie J van Vuuren N/a’an ku sê Research Programme
  • Katherine E Echement N/a’an ku sê Research Programme
  • Matthew P Cleverley N/a’an ku sê Research Programme
  • Marlice van Vuuren N/a’an ku sê Research Programme

Abstract

This article reports the first documented treatment of venomous snakebite with a polyvalent snake antivenom from the South African Institute for Medical Research in endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Three juvenile male animals (6.5 months of age) showed clinical signs after being bitten by an unidentified venomous snake. The signs included loss of appetite, disorientation, impaired locomotion, excessive facial swelling, profuse salivation, reduced respiratory effort and an apparent depressed mental state. Intravenous treatment with isotonic Ringer lactate solution, hetastarch 6% and dexamethazone, subcutaneous administration of procaine benzylpenicillin and benzathine benzylpenicillin, and ultimately intravenous administration of the polyvalent snake antivenom resulted in the complete recovery of all three wild dogs.

Author Biographies

  • Florian J Weise, N/a’an ku sê Research Programme

    N/a’an ku sê Research Programme, Namibia

  • Rudie J van Vuuren, N/a’an ku sê Research Programme

    N/a’an ku sê Research Programme, Namibia

  • Katherine E Echement, N/a’an ku sê Research Programme

    N/a’an ku sê Research Programme, Namibia

  • Matthew P Cleverley, N/a’an ku sê Research Programme

    N/a’an ku sê Research Programme, Namibia

  • Marlice van Vuuren, N/a’an ku sê Research Programme

    N/a’an ku sê Research Programme, Namibia

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Published

2021-12-06

Issue

Section

Case Report