King Brown Snake Bite

King Brown Snake Bite

Article
Brain & Nerve
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
+8
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBANov 05, 2020

The topic King Brown Snake Bite you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Mulga Snake Bite.

Quick Summary:

  • The mulga snake (Pseudechis australis) is a highly venomous snake found distributed in almost all parts of Australia, but for certain southernmost regions including some southern/eastern coasts. This large reptile is also known as the king brown snake. The mulga snake belongs to the Elapidae family, which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes; no subspecies of the mulga snake are evidently established
  • The robust and heavy mulga snake usually grow to around 6 feet in size; although, some specimens have been recorded at nearly 11 feet long. The snake has a broad head, thick neck, and medium-sized eyes; the head and neck are usually the same color as the body. The snake has an average-sized tail that is darker than the body. Mulga snakes found in the southern regions of Australia are reportedly darker than their northern cousins. They are also shy and less irritable than snakes found to the north that are more easily agitated
  • The head and body of the snake is glossy and homogeneous in coloration, usually in brown shades ranging from pale brown, copper brown, red brown, to blackish brown. The scales are usually yellowish at the base, thus presenting a net-like pattern on the snake. The rear portion of the snake is much darker. The underside (belly) of the snake is pale yellow to cream in color
  • The mulga preys on other snakes, rodents, lizards, small mammals, and even birds. The reptile hunts during evenings and nights when the weather is hot but prefers to hunt by daytime during winters. The snake inhabits farmlands, waterbodies, grasslands, dry desert lands (gibber), rocky terrain, and areas with sparse vegetation. It is normally found hiding under fallen trees, below large rocks, in rocky crevices, animal burrows, abandoned sheds, and near rubbish piles
  • Among Australia’s deadliest snakes, the mulga snake can inject a high dosage of venom in a single bite. Contact with humans are not uncommon due to its extensive distribution. Before striking, the snake usually displays adequate threatening signs, hissing loudly with an inflated body posture, flattened neck, and side-to-side swinging head and neck. In many cases following a bite, the snake continues to cling and chew on its victim, thereby profusely injecting its venom
  • Mulga Snake Bite can result in early fatalities due to systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite), if the condition is left untreated, due to the presence of highly potent myotoxins, cytotoxins, hemotoxins, and other compounds in the venom. Moreover, in many cases, the snake injects large quantities of venom into its victims
  • The signs and symptoms of Mulga Snake Bite have a rapid onset, but may be non-specific and include headaches, sweating, weakness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Severe widespread symptoms and complications may involve the muscular, cardiovascular, hematological (blood-related), and kidney and urinary systems 
  • Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include the use of vasopressor agents, blood transfusion, and peritoneal dialysis. The prognosis of Mulga Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good

Please find comprehensive information on Mulga Snake Bite regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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