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

• Kirtland's Rattlesnake Bite
• Prairie Massasauga Snake Bite
• Sistrurus Catenatus Snake Bite

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

• The massassauga (Sistrurus catenatus), or massasauga, is a venomous snake that ranges in size from nearly 1.5 feet to nearly 3.5 feet in length. The rattlesnake belongs 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. Three subspecies of massassauga are recognized
• This terrestrial snake is found in Canada, the United States of America, and in a few regions of northern Mexico. The snake may be found in a variety of terrain - near marshes and bogs, in meadows and grasslands, areas of low vegetation, forests and woodlands, and sandy deserts, at elevations of up to 6,900 feet (2,100 m). This diurnal reptile hunts lizards, small mammals (rodents), and large centipedes, and are usually found close to waterbodies
• The body of the massassauga is moderately slender and cylindrical that ends in a short stubby tail with segmented rattles. The head is broad with larger scales (unlike the body scales) and distinct from the neck; dark stripes are noted by the side of the head, angled away from the eyes
• The body of the snake is usually in brown shades (pale or gray-brown), with oval-shaped dark brown blotches that have white/light gray edges. The body is also marked by a series of smaller geometrical blotches placed laterally; the sides present brown or dark gray smaller patterns, and the belly is usually cream to white
• Massassauga Snake Bites involving humans are not uncommon. The snake is generally languid and has a mild disposition but is known to strike if sufficiently provoked. Prior to biting, the snake may display warning signs such as rapidly coiling its body, raised head and body posture, and making hissing and rattling sounds
• A bite from a massassauga can result in envenomation (venom injection), although deaths are fairly uncommon. The rate of envenoming is between 40-60%. The snake venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins that can cause severe local reactions and some non-specific systemic effects including severe bleeding issues and shock
• The signs and symptoms of the Massassauga Snake Bite may include pain, severe swelling, blistering, and tissue necrosis at the bite site. As various body systems gets rapidly affected by the venom, it can result in widespread symptoms including headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, dizziness, and collapse
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment in case of significant symptoms. Symptomatic treatment may include wound care, use of pain medication, blood transfusion, and peritoneal dialysis. The prognosis of Massassauga Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; lethal bites are rarely possible in the absence of proper treatment