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

• Black and Red Pitviper Snake Bite
• Bothrops Erythromelas Snake Bite
• Red and Black Pitviper Snake Bite

What is Caatinga Lancehead Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Caatinga lancehead snake (Bothrops erythromelas) is a venomous snake that ranges in size from a little over a foot to nearly 3 feet in length. The snake belongs to the subspecies 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
• This reptile is found in the Caatinga, a term used to describe dry shrubland and thorn forests, located in north to eastern Brazil, and along river margins and open sandy-rocky regions of the country. The Caatinga lancehead is a nocturnal snake that hunts at night, feeding mainly on small rodents and  lizards
• This pit viper is known to climb low branches of shrubs and vines. It has a small and moderately slender body with a short tail. The head of the snake is shaped like a lance (spear) and distinct from neck; its snout is not observed to be elevated. Its eyes are relatively large in size with vertically elliptical pupils
• The head and body color of the Caatinga lancehead is usually brown to red-brown with a series of pale-edged dark-brown to black blotches that may join together to form irregular bands. The snake has a belly that is yellowish-tan with irregular dark blotches along its sides
• Caatinga Lancehead Snake Bites involving humans are not very common. These snakes are highly-irritable and can strike quickly even if mildly provoked. Though infrequent, a bite from a fully-grown snake has the potential to result in severe envenomation (venom injection) with significant symptoms, in the absence of adequate treatment. The snake venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins, cytotoxins, and myotoxins, and can cause hypovolemic shock, kidney damage, and muscle injury
• In general, the signs and symptoms of Caatinga Lancehead Snake Bite may include pain at the bite site and local swelling with bruising and blistering. In case of systemic symptoms that can be severe, the bite can result in headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, and collapse
• 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, blood transfusion, and breathing support, if needed. The prognosis of Caatinga Lancehead Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; fatalities may take place with inadequate treatment, but are generally infrequent