What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cape Back Fanged Tree Snake Bite
• Dispholidus Typus Snake Bite
• Green Back Fanged Tree Snake Bite

What is Boomslang Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is a highly venomous snake that may range from about 4-5 feet (average size) to nearly 7 feet in length. The snake is found widespread in almost all sub-Saharan nations that lie south of the African continent, but not along the west coastal regions and the Congo Basin forest. The boomslang belongs to the largest snake family called Colubridae
• It is an arboreal reptile that spends all of its time on shrubs, plants, and trees; it rarely ventures to the ground (eggs are laid in hollow tree logs). The snake feeds mainly on chameleons and other lizards and nesting birds (including their chicks and eggs). It hunts by remaining motionless, waiting for prey to come close by. Once a prey is seized, the snake generally tends to hold on and chew until the venom potency kills the prey
• Boomslangs are active during the daytime and often found around waterbodies such as rivers, streams, or lakes; they generally inhabit terrain at mean sea level, and are found in savannahs, open bushes, woody thickets, swamps, and thorny scrubs. These snakes are not seen in montane (hill side) forests or dry deserts
• The slender-bodied snake with laterally compressed body has an oval-shaped head and a long tail. Its small head is distinct from the neck, and it has big green eyes. Boomslangs typically present uniform coloration and may be seen in shades of olive-brown, green, or black; young snakes generally appear brighter. The snake tends to take shelter in tree hollows and fallen logs
• Human contact with boomslangs is not uncommon, and bites have been reported. However, the snake is typically non-aggressive and extremely shy when confronted, trying to move away from the threat source. If sufficiently provoked or cornered, it puffs its neck and displays bright yellow-orange throat as a warning sign. The snake can strike swiftly and vigorously; Boomslang Snake Bites are known to be lethal. The venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins. In some cases, the effects of the venom may take up to 48 hours to manifest
• The snake can cause moderate to severe envenomation (venom injection through a bite) with mild local effects but severe systemic symptoms. The signs and symptoms of Boomslang Snake Bite may include pain and swelling in the affected region, which may progress to headache, vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain, seizures, and dizziness. Significant symptoms, such as severe bleeding from mucosal sites, extensive internal bleeding, organ (kidney), and collapse, may be noted
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment that may include wound care, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support may be necessary. The prognosis of the condition with prompt and effective therapy is usually good. In the absence of suitable treatment (or with delayed treatment), Boomslang Snake Bites can be fatal