Suspected anaphylaxis in a dog following administration of tiger-brown snake anti-venom

Authors: Lovatt C
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 53, Issue 3, pp 81-90, Jul 2023
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Dog
Article class: Clinical Article

---

Abstract:

Background: Snake anti-venom is commonly administered to dogs in Australia. There are no previous reports of anaphylaxis following elapid antivenom administration to dogs in the literature.

Case report: A 9-year-old male entire Sealyham terrier presented to a primary care veterinary practice with a history and clinical signs consistent with tiger snake (Notechus scutatus) envenomation. Two vials of tiger-brown polyvalent antivenom were administered intravenously and the dog’s clinical status initially improved. Three hours following presentation, the dog developed tachycardia and was referred for further care. On presentation at the referral hospital marked hypotension, tachycardia and gall bladder wall oedema were noted. Treatment was initiated for presumptive anaphylaxis and there was marked clinical improvement however developed a moderate anaemia and haemoperitoneum. Significantly increased creatine kinase levels supported the clinical diagnosis of tiger snake envenomation. The dog went on to make a complete recovery.

Conclusion: This report describes the clinical progression and resolution of a presumed case of anaphylaxis following presumptive tiger snake envenomation and poly-valent purified equine immunoglobulin anti-venom administration. Development of anaphylaxis can be a lifethreatening complication with the clinical features of anaphylaxis in dogs overlapping with clinical characteristics of snake envenomation. Dogs receiving antivenom should be monitored closely for development of hypotension, tachycardia and signs of shock, and treatment with adrenalin may be required.

Keywords: anaphylaxis, canine, elapid envenomation, haemoabdomen, hypersensitivity, Notechus scutatus

---