Snake bite

Last updated: Wednesday, 22, December, 2010
Complications Appropriate Tests

Early management is essential and must not be delayed pending snake/venom identification.

Snake (species) identification must be attempted. Venom may be identified from swab or tissue from site of bite; urine may also be required. See Snake Venom Detection.

FBC, blood film, platelet count, APTT, PT, fibrin degradation products, fibrinogen; electrolytes, creatinine, urea, urate, calcium, phosphate, albumin, CK, LD.

Local tissue necrosis

Respiratory paralysis

Renal failure - acute

Haemolysis

See Haemoglobinuria

Bleeding

See DIC

Neurotoxicity

Hyperkalaemia

Hypocalcaemia

Rhabdomyolysis

See Myoglobinuria