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

• Crotalus Durissus Terrificus Snake Bite

What is Brazilian Rattlesnake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Brazilian rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) is a highly venomous snake that ranges in size from over 3 feet to up to 5 feet in length. The rattlesnake belongs to the sub-species of pit vipers, family Viperidae. Pit vipers are termed so, due to the presence of certain heat-sensing organs located in a recess/notch between their eyes and nostrils
• The Brazilian rattlesnake is recognized as a sub-species of the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus). This terrestrial snake is found in the nations of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, inhabiting dry and wet grasslands at elevations up to 3,300 feet (1,000 m). This diurnal reptile is an ambush predator that hunt small mammals (including rodents), lizards, and birds
• The head of this stout-bodied snake is large with small eyes, and it has a distinct narrow neck. The body color of the Brazilian rattlesnake is gray to brown that is lighter on the sides. The top side is marked by diamond-shaped patterns with triangles on the sides; the patterns are mostly darker-colored with light or white scaly borders
• The rattlesnake has two stripes that begin from the head and travel some length on the body, before meeting the diamond patterns. The body of the Brazilian rattlesnake is fairly heavy with a distinct spinal ridge that may continue until the small tail that contains segmented rattles
• Brazilian Rattlesnake Bites involving humans are fairly uncommon. The snakes may avoid humans and other larger predators through thermal detection and vibration awareness. Intruders, who approach the snake, may be warned by its continuous rattling, raised head and body posture, and striking actions
• Nevertheless, a bite from a Brazilian rattlesnake can result in severe envenomation (venom injection) and death, in the absence of suitable treatment. The envenomation rate is between 40-60%. The snake venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins, myotoxins, and neurotoxins causing minimal local reaction, but severe-to-fatal systemic symptoms
• The signs and symptoms of the Brazilian Rattlesnake Bite may include mild pain, swelling, blistering, nausea and vomiting, and paralysis. The venom can impair blood coagulation and breakdown the red blood cells, leading to severe symptoms including abnormally rapid breathing, low blood pressure, and multiple organ damage (including kidney failure)
• 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 pain medication, platelet (blood) transfusion, and peritoneal dialysis. The prognosis of Brazilian Rattlesnake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good. However, in the absence of treatment, the fatality rate is between 30-40%