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

• Agkistrodon Taylori Snake Bite
• American Copper Head Snake Bite
• Taylor's Cantil Snake Bite

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

• The castellana snake (Agkistrodon taylori) is a venomous snake that is found confined to the northeastern parts of Mexico. The snake is also known as the ornate cantil or Taylor’s moccasin. It belong 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
• Castellanas are mainly found on grasslands (mesquite and savannah), deciduous and thorn forests within the endemic region. The snakes are generally not found around water sources but near rocky hillsides (limestone outcrops), at elevations of less than 2,000 feet (about 600 m). Even though terrestrial, the snakes are known to be excellent swimmers and may be found in waterbodies too
• The castellana snake grows to an average size of about 2.5 feet, while some exceed 3.5 feet in length. The snake is heavy and robust with a short tapering tail ending in a moderately long spine. The head is flat, broad, and triangular in shape; it is distinct from the neck. The snake mainly feeds on rodents (mice), lizards, small birds, and grasshoppers
• The snake is of variable coloration; the body is in shades of gray to brown-gray with dark crossbands, marked by a series of spots/blotches that are in yellow-orange-red or white. Castellana may present two pale (yellow-white) stripes along the side of its head. Young snakes may have cream-yellow crossbands and yellow-tipped tails
• Castellana Snake Bites can result in fatalities due to systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite) in the absence of treatment; some cases of snake bites are known to cause severe envenomation. The potent hemotoxic-myotoxic venom released can cause systemic effects including hemorrhage, collapse, and hypovolemic shock
• The signs and symptoms of Castellana Snake Bite may include mild to moderate effects at the bite site such as pain, blistering, and local swelling. When various body systems are affected by the venom, it can result in symptoms including headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, extensive tissue necrosis, impaired blood coagulation, and potential renal failure
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment when severe local or systemic symptoms are noted. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, respiratory support, and peritoneal dialysis, as required. The prognosis of Castellana Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; although, serious human envenomation and deaths have been reported