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

• Collett’s Cobra Snake Bite
• Down's Tiger Snake Bite
• Pseudechis Colletti Snake Bite

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

• The Collett's black snake (Pseudechis colletti) is a highly venomous snake found almost only in central western Queensland, Australia. This large reptile belongs to the Elapidae family, which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes. This robust-bodied and heavy snake can grow from 5 feet to almost 8.5 feet in length
• The snake has a relatively small but broad head with a blunt snout and medium-sized eyes. The snake has a moderately long tail. The body of the Collett's black snake is glossy and multi-colored; juveniles have much brighter color tones. The upper body color is dark brown to black with cream or pink sides and irregular crossbands in rich orange-red color. The belly may present several colors and patterns/blotches
• The snake is found in warm tropical-to-temperate climates in the flood plains, open grasslands, and woodlands typically along riverbeds and forest edges. It tends to seek refuge inside deep soil crevices, sinkholes, and under fallen trees. The Collett's black snake mostly preys on lizards, rodents, and frogs; it is also known to be cannibalistic. The reptile hunts during evenings and nights when the weather is hot; it prefers to hunt by daytime during winters
• The snake has a generally mild disposition and contact with humans is uncommon. However, when disturbed, the snake typically displays characteristic warning signs, hissing loudly and swaying its inflated forebody, while attempting to flee in the process. On further provocation, the Collett's black snake can bite quickly; it can also inject a large quantity of its venom in a single bite
• Collett'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 Collett'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 Collett's Black Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good, although untreated death rates are high at 20-30%