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Eyelash Palm Pitviper Snake Bite

Article
Brain & Nerve
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
+9
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAAug 04, 2022

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

  • Bothriechis Schlegelii Snake Bite
  • Common Eyelash Pitviper Snake Bite
  • Schlegel's Tree Viper Snake Bite

What is Eyelash Palm Pitviper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

  • The eyelash palm pitviper (Bothriechis schlegelii) is a moderately venomous snake found in Central and South America, in the countries of Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela. 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. The eyelash palm pitviper can grow from 1.5 to 3 feet in length
  • The viper preys on a variety of animals including tree lizards, tree frogs, and small mammals. It is a nocturnal hunting reptile that inhabits the cloud (wet subtropical) forest and the high and lower montane forests, in elevations between 3,300 to 4,900 feet (1,000 to 1,500 m). The snake is well-adapted at climbing vines, plants, and trees; it is often found coiled on tree branches near streams and rivers
  • The snake has a fairly slender body with a short prehensile tail. The head of the snake is broad, almost triangular in shape, and distinct from its neck. The snout of the reptile is not elevated. The body color and patterns on the pitviper are highly variable but may be green, olive green, or gray-green, with fine brown to red-brown dots; some species may be yellow with orange-red dots. The belly of the snake is usually pale yellow with no markings
  • Human contact with the snake is not commonly noted. Even though non-aggressive by nature, the snake can bite quickly if provoked. Eyelash Palm Pitviper Snake Bites can cause severe envenomation (venom injection) that may rarely result in deaths without early treatment, especially in children. The venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins that may cause variable symptoms including bleeding issues and shock
  • The signs and symptoms of Eyelash Palm Pitviper Snake Bite may include moderate localized effects, such as severe pain at the bite site, swelling, and blistering. Systemic symptoms may include tissue necrosis, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, and collapse
  • Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment for severe and significant envenomation presenting systemic presentations. Symptomatic treatment is important and may include pain medication, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Eyelash Palm Pitviper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; without proper treatment, the condition can result in fatalities
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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