Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Appendix A
Representative Unverified Cases of
Medically Significant “Colubrid” Bites
Posted on the Internet
1
Case 1. Western Hognose Snake,
Heterodon nasicus
Website
Features of Case
Amateur hobbyist report describing a bite inflicted on the medial aspect of the right
index finger (ascertained from photos accompanying the report) by an approximately
8-inch male long-term captive
H. n. nasicus
. Victim/author (male, age unknown)
stated that the bite was a result of a “food response, not aggression,” and that
the snake “hung on like a little bulldog
…
seemed to use its rear teeth almost exclu-
sively, actively engaging the larger rear teeth.” The snake reportedly “chewed”
for 3-5 min and was eventually forcibly removed by immersion in cool tap water.
Reported effects included bleeding, edema that began 2-3 h postbite and progressed,
ultimately involving the forearm; digital stiffness; discharging wound; and the
appearance of “small itchy blisters” and “tiny popped vessels.” The victim reported
that at 45 h postbite the edema extended to the elbow, while the hand edema began
to decrease and blistering was noted at the base of the thumb. At 72 h, the edema
reportedly was almost fully resolved. A “general reddish discoloration” was reported
and deemed “not a rash.” The victim stated that as the edema resolved, the hand was
still tender, but reported that little “real pain” was experienced at any time during the
described events.
1
The cases included here are presented as representative samples of those posted at various websites. We
have purposely declined inclusion of a comprehensive review of these cases as there is no objectively
documented provenance, independent identification of snakes involved in the purported bite or recorded
formal medical review of the victim. See section IV regarding the issues that seriously affect the utility of
such cases.
