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

• Pseudonaja Affinis Snake Bite

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

• The dugite (Pseudonaja affinis) is a highly venomous snake that is distributed along the southern coastal regions of Australia in the states of Western Australia and South Australia. The snake belongs to the Elapidae family, which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes. This moderately slender and robust snake can grow to sizes ranging from 4-7 feet
• The head and neck of the snake are uniform and almost continuous; the head is usually small and elongate. The snake is brown to dark-brown with uniform dark markings (some may be plain with few markings). The snake’s belly is usually in a lighter brown shade. The tail of the snake is long and tapered
• The snake inhabits the coastal and adjacent inland plains, sandy slopes and dunes, and low hill ranges. It is also found in shrubland, open forests, and woodlands. Dugites may also frequent pasturelands and cultivated lands. The terrestrial snake is active during the day but has a nocturnal tendency during the hotter seasons. It is usually seen along watercourses
• The dugite mainly preys on lizards and small mammals,  especially mice, but can hunt other snakes too. It is a fast-moving snake with a nervous and irritable disposition. If confronted, it can become easily agitated, raise its forebody in a coiled “S” position, hiss continuously, and be ready to strike
• Human interactions are generally inevitable, as the snake may be found close to urban and semi-urban areas. Dugite Snake Bites can result in fatalities due to systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite), if the condition is left untreated, due to the presence of highly potent neurotoxins and hemotoxins in the venom
• The fangs of the snake are comparatively small, and no local pain or swelling may be observed initially following a bite. The bite marks also remain very inconspicuous resulting in ignorance of the bite incident in some cases. However, the rate of envenoming for a dugite is estimated at between 20-40%, and first aid is very important
• The signs and symptoms of Dugite Snake Bite may be non-specific and include headaches, sweating, weakness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and collapse. Severe widespread symptoms and complications may result in seizures, flaccid paralysis, bleeding issues, renal damage, and sudden cardiac arrest
• 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, blood transfusion, peritoneal dialysis, and breathing support, as needed. The prognosis of Dugite Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; untreated bites has a 10-20% fatality rate