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

• Demansia Olivacea Snake Bite
• Elapocephalus Ornaticeps Snake Bite
• Marble-Headed Whip Snake Bite

What is Olive Whipsnake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The olive whipsnake (Demansia olivacea) is a moderately venomous snake native to Australia, particularly found inhabiting the tropical-subtropical woodlands, flood plains, and grasslands, in the northern regions of Western Australia and Northern Territory
• It belongs to the family Elapidae, which includes snakes that are slender and quick-moving. The snake is a land-dwelling creature that is normally found hiding below rocks, under fallen trees, and inside burrows or cracks on the ground
• The olive whipsnake is a grey-to-brown colored slender-bodied snake that can grow to a full size of 2.5 feet or more. It is a swift-moving reptile that usually forages for food, which consists largely of lizards and sometimes frogs
• The snakes are shy and avoid confrontation to the extent possible. However, if threatened, it can be quite aggressive and strike quickly many times, by raising its head and body off the ground
• Olive Whipsnake Bites are rare, but may occur accidentally. Severe envenomation (venom injection) is uncommon, although children and individuals with poor immune function may present severe symptoms; but, deaths are generally not reported
• The signs and symptoms of Olive Whipsnake Bite may include intense pain and swelling at the bite site. Whipsnake venoms are said to a mixture of hemotoxins, cytotoxins, and neurotoxins, and can cause systemic symptoms such as bleeding, muscle damage, and even paralysis
• Currently, antivenom is neither available nor administered for Olive Whipsnake Bites; but, supportive therapy is provided as per the signs and symptoms noted. The prognosis of the condition with prompt and effective treatment is usually excellent

Who gets Olive Whipsnake Bite? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Olive Whipsnake Bite may occur to any individual exposed to the snake, particularly in its natural habitat
• Individuals of any age and gender are prone to snake bites
• Olive whipsnakes are found almost only in the Australian states of Northern Territory and Western Australia (Kimberley regions), to the north; including on certain islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria

What are the Risk Factors for Olive Whipsnake Bite? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Olive Whipsnake Bite include the following factors:

• Hiking and trekking in olive whipsnake endemic regions
• Living or residing in areas where the snake is found
• Walking barefoot and unprotected through bushes and woods
• Venturing outdoors during the night without adequate protection
• Wildlife enthusiasts and scientific study groups, who explore the region
• Keeping them as pets
• Handling dead or live snakes; intentionally or accidentally picking up the snake
• Drug addicts and alcoholics who come into contact with the snake have a greater risk for being bitten
• Children, elderly adults, and individuals with weak immune system have a higher risk for severe symptoms

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Olive Whipsnake Bite? (Etiology)

Olive Whipsnake Bite can take place when one comes into contact with the venomous snake, usually unintentionally or inadvertently.

• It is generally known to bite only under provocation or threat. The venom of a whipsnake is known to contain (weak) hemotoxins, cytotoxins, and neurotoxins
• The severity of the symptoms mainly depend on the size of the snake (whether adult or juvenile) and the age and overall health status of the individual

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Olive Whipsnake Bite?

The signs and symptoms of Olive Whipsnake Bite can vary from one individual to another. The signs and symptoms depend on the age (whether child or adult), weight, and overall health status of the individual (whether having an underlying condition or illness). Also, the signs and symptoms vary according to the potency and amount of venom injected.

The signs and symptoms may develop within a few hours and may include:

• Severe pain at the bite site; presence of noticeable fang marks
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling at the bite site that slowly involves a wider area
• Bleeding from the wound
• Chills and sweating
• Breathing difficulties
• Nausea and vomiting
• Death of tissue (or necrosis) around the affected region or limb, observed within a few days
• Mildly low blood pressure
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Weakness and malaise

Systemic signs and symptoms are not well-established, due to the fewer number of cases recorded, but may include:

• Muscle pain and damage
• Bleeding
• Neurological symptoms including paralysis
• Kidney injury causing kidney failure is not reported

Note:

• In some cases, the fang marks may not be pronounced or even visible. Sometimes only small scratch marks or lacerations may be observed. Thus, any contact with an olive whipsnake merits immediate medical attention
• Severe anxiety may also result in some misleading symptoms of snakebites, such as sweating, fatigue, and shock, even when no bite has taken place (the individual may be imagining), or when it is a dry bite. Nevertheless, even in suspect cases, the presence of any such symptoms requires the attention of a qualified medical professional

How is Olive Whipsnake Bite Diagnosed?

Olive Whipsnake Bite may be diagnosed using the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical examination with comprehensive evaluation of medical history; a physical examination of the affected site by the physician may be normally sufficient to diagnose a snake bite
• The individual may be asked to provide an account (history) of the events that occurred (what took place and how), if possible
• Assessment of the signs and symptoms exhibited by the individual may be carefully observed
• Blood tests that may include:
  • Complete blood count (CBC) with differential and platelet count
  • White blood cell count
  • Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) tests
  • Fibrinogen blood test
  • Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test
  • Serum electrolytes including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
• Urine test or urinalysis to test for free protein, myoglobin, and hemoglobin levels
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Nerve conduction studies and neurological evaluation

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Olive Whipsnake Bite?

The complications of Olive Whipsnake Bite may include:

• Multiple bites, causing injection of a larger quantity of venom; the olive whipsnake is known to often bite multiple times, when provoked
• Blood clotting defects may result in internal bleeding
• Severe tissue and muscle damage of the affected leg or hand, which can result in superimposed infections and gangrene formation
• Increased pressure causing compartment syndrome, which is an urgent medical condition
• Loss of limb function
• Rhabdomyolysis from injury to the muscles, caused due to compartment syndrome
• Shock
• Seizures and coma

Presence of misleading symptoms due to fear and anxiety, which may be also aggravated by those around the individual, such as one’s family members, can sometimes result in inappropriate or over-treatment.

How is Olive Whipsnake Bite Treated?

All snake bites should be considered as medical emergencies and evaluated by trained medical professionals, as soon as possible; the first 6-8 hours are particularly vital for preventing life-threatening symptoms. Failure to obtain early assessment and management from the highest level of care (available within the community) may potentially result in severe complications and death.

The following measures may be considered in the treatment of Olive Whipsnake Bite, based on the medical evaluation of a trained healthcare professional. Anti-snake venom (ASV) is neither administered nor available for Olive Whipsnake Bites. Also, most bites result in only minor envenomation and hospitalization is usually not necessary.

• Administration of intravenous fluids to keep the patient well-hydrated
• Administration of pain medication
• Periodic blood and urine tests are undertaken for 12-24 hours or more
• Tetanus vaccination is usually required, if it is not up to date
• In case of severe symptoms, the patient is admitted and placed in an ICU setting and monitored for at least a day following the abatement of symptoms; the patient has to be rested and kept warm
• If necessary, blood and plasma transfusions for severe cases
• Intubation and respiratory support, may be provided
• Medications to control blood pressure
• Pressure management (using appropriate pressure devices) of affected limb for compartment syndrome
• Rehabilitation of the affected limb through physical therapy, if required
• Unless infection or tissue necrosis is observed, the administration of prophylactic antibiotics is generally not recommended in snake bites. However, the healthcare provider will determine whether antibiotics administration is necessary or not, based on one’s individual circumstances

Note: 

• Consultation with a medical toxicologist is recommended for all cases requiring the administration of anti-snake venom
• Gynecological evaluation may be necessary for pregnant women bitten by snakes to evaluate the health of the fetus
• In many instances, the type of venomous snake involved in the bite is unknown; hence, all vital organs and systems should be closely monitored and treated appropriately, as necessary

How can Olive Whipsnake Bite be Prevented?

Olive Whipsnake Bite may be avoided by:

• If you spot an olive whipsnake, step back slowly and keep a safe distance of at least 8-10 feet or more (between yourself and the snake)
• Being alert, if you are in snake-infested regions, particularly containing dangerous species of snakes
• Be on the lookout for snakes and other animals while outdoors (in the forests); also, if you are with a pet, do not allow the pet to wander away
• Avoiding being outdoors at night in forested areas; be careful while camping outdoors
• Always allow snakes crossing your path the right of way
• Always stay on established paths and clearings, while walking in the woods, grasslands, or through thick undergrowths
• Avoid tall grassy areas or thick bushes; if you plan to explore the area, use heavy boots and thick pants
• Avoid picking up firewood sticks, stones, or rocks without checking the area for any concealed creatures
• Always step on top of large rocks and fallen trunks; never place one’s foot by the side of big rocks and rotting tree stumps. Some snake species are known to take shelter or warm themselves on the sides, during the day
• Always check before sitting on dead tree logs, stumps, or a pile of rocks; use a stick to stir or probe around the area
• Do not reach out to move or hold bushes or tree branches without properly examining them for any camouflaged creatures such as snakes
• While walking through areas with thick undergrowth, pay attention to the sound of birds or monkeys that may warn of potential dangers such as snakes
• Cut tall and unkempt grass or low-lying shrubs and bushes around dwelling areas that provides hiding places for snakes and other rodents
• Do not reach into dark nooks/corners/recesses with your bare hands/foot
• Never intentionally run over snakes on the road while on a vehicle (cycle, other 2-wheeler, or 4-wheeler); the injured snake lying on the road may strike other pedestrians, or get entangled in the vehicle and be carried to the parking lot or even inside one’s garage
• Carry a snake bite kit, if possible, when traveling through areas containing highly venomous snake species
• Avoid playing with or teasing snakes such as by touching their tails
• Do not pick up dead snakes - they may be poisonous and still bite through a reflex action
• Educate local communities on how to identify such venomous snakes, their activities, habitats, whether they are ‘day-snakes’ or ‘night-snakes’, their weather preferences, recognize bite symptoms, and how to avoid encounter with snakes
• Teach and educate children about the dangers and importance of snakes
• Completely avoid any form of native or traditional treatment for snake bites

Both large and small snakes have the potential for severe envenomation; hence, all snake bites should be treated promptly and appropriately.

What is the Prognosis of Olive Whipsnake Bite? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Olive Whipsnake Bite is dependent on the size of the snake, site of bite, age and overall health of the individual, and promptness of medical response. In a majority of cases, severe envenomation is not observed
• Small children bitten by large adult snakes may present severe symptoms and emergency medical treatment may be necessitated. However, the prognosis with adequate treatment is good and deaths have not been reported

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Olive Whipsnake Bite:

• Olive whipsnakes are ‘day’ creatures i.e., diurnal in nature; but, they may be nocturnal during the hot summer months
• The Australian continent is home to some of the most venomous and dangerous snakes of the world such as the taipan (inland and coastal), brown snake, tiger snake, mulga, and the death adder
• In some cases, the snake bite may be a ‘dry bite’, meaning that even though there is a bite mark, no venom injection occurs. However, even for dry bites, the patient must be placed under observation and monitored closely for a period ranging anywhere from 12-24 hours, prior to discharge
• The snake venom is a highly complex mix of several proteins, enzymes, amino acids, peptide chains, fats, and even certain metals. The bite causing venom injection into the body may be categorized as:
  • Intramuscular injection: Long-fanged snakes have a potential for injecting venom directly into the muscles (this is highly infrequent though)
  • Intraperitoneal injection: When the snake bite involves the stomach or abdomen region
  • Intravenous injection: In very rare cases, the snake fangs may inject venom directly into a blood vessel, releasing venom directly into blood (posing an even greater danger than normal snake bites)
  • Subcutaneous injection: A majority of snake bites involve the subcutaneous skin layers (venom is injected just below the skin surface)