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

• Bitis Caudalis Snake Bite
• Common Single-Horned Adder Snake Bite
• Southern Horned Adder Snake Bite

What is Horned Puff Adder Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The horned puff adder (Bitis caudalis) is a venomous snake that is primarily found in Sub-Saharan Africa, in the countries of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The snake belongs to the viper family or Viperidae and is found at sea level, generally in dry regions. The horned puff adder can grow to a maximum size of less than 2 feet or so, but the average adult size is about 12 inches
• The viper is a land-dwelling reptile that is seen in the savannah grasslands, semi-deserts, and desert sands. It has a slightly flattened but stout body with a short, black-tipped tail. The head is triangular and broad, distinct from its narrow neck, with a short snout and raised eye ridges. The snake is characterized by a prominent raised horn (a scaly projection) above each eye, giving the snake the epithet “horned”
• The horned puff adder may vary in color and texture markedly from one geographical region to another but is generally dark-red, pink, flesh-colored, gray-brown or light gray. It is also marked by a series of alternating dark and light colored bands with irregular edges on the back from neck to tail, with differently colored alternating patterns on the side. The belly of the snake may be cream or white with/without an orange border along the sides
• The snake is active in the evenings, often burying itself below the sand with only its head and eyes being exposed. It mostly hunts small lizards, such as geckos and skinks, rodents, and frogs, using its tail to lure prey. The horned puff adder is highly irritable and if disturbed, it lets out a loud hissing warning, puffs its body, and twists and coils before getting ready to strike
• Horned Puff Adder Snake Bites can result in moderate systemic envenomation (venom injection) but fatalities are not reported, and human bites are reportedly rare. It is important to note that unlike the highly venomous and dangerous puff adder (Bitis arietans), the horned puff adder (Bitis caudalis) is comparatively mildly venomous, and deaths are highly uncommon
• The signs and symptoms of Horned Puff Adder Snake Bite may include severe local effects, such as pain, bruising, and swelling at the bite site, which may be progressively followed by tissue necrosis, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness, necessitating immediate treatment. The venom contains potent neurotoxins and myotoxins that can rarely cause convulsions and collapse too
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Some reports inform that a polyvalent antivenom is used to treat envenomation caused by this snake species. Symptomatic treatment is necessary and may include pain medication, wound care, and intravenous fluid administration, as needed. The prognosis of Horned Puff Adder Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good