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

• Butler's Snake Bite
• Pseudechis Butleri Snake Bite
• Spotted Mulga Snake Bite

What is Butler's Black Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Butler's black snake (Pseudechis butleri) is a highly venomous snake found in the state of Western Australia. This large reptile is also known as the spotted mulga snake. It belongs to the Elapidae family, which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes. This robust-bodied snake usually grows from around 3.5 feet to nearly 5.5 feet in length
• The snake has a broad head with a rounded snout and medium-sized eyes; the head and neck are generally black. The snake has a medium-length tail. The body of Butler's black snake is glossy and homogeneous in coloration. The body base color is black with yellow or brown scales that presents a spotted or net-like appearance; although some snakes are completely black
• The snake inhabits the open and dry acacia (mulga) woodlands in the endemic region and tends to seek refuge inside compacted loam soil crevices, rodent burrows, and under fallen trees. The Butler's black snake mostly preys on lizards, other snakes, and rodents (mice). The reptile hunts during evenings and nights when the weather is hot; it prefers to hunt by daytime during winters
• Contact with humans is not commonly observed, as the Butler's black snake is not found close to areas of human habitation. If disturbed or provoked, before striking, the snake usually displays adequate threatening signs, hissing loudly with a raised forebody that swings from side-to-side. The snake is also known to inject a large quantity of venom in a single bite
• Butler's Black Snake Bites 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 and hemotoxins in the venom. The rate of envenoming is between 40-60% and significant symptoms may be noted including bleeding issues, shock, and kidney damage
• The signs and symptoms of Butler's Black Snake Bite may include local pain and swelling at the bite site that is followed by headache, sweating, weakness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures, 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, wound care, blood transfusion, and peritoneal dialysis. The prognosis of Butler's Black Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good, although untreated death rates are high at between 30-40%