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

• Blacktail Hognose Pitviper Snake Bite
• Horned Hog-Nosed Viper Snake Bite
• Porthidium Nasutum Snake Bite

What is Rainforest Hognosed Pitviper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background information)

• The rainforest hognosed pitviper (Porthidium nasutum) is a venomous snake found in Central and South America that includes the nations of Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama. 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 rainforest hognosed pitviper can grow from over a foot to 2 feet in length. It is a nocturnal reptile that preys on small mammals (rodents), frogs, lizards, small birds, and snakes. It is found in altitudes of up to 3,000 feet (about 900 m) and inhabits tropical rainforests, lowland forests, and lower montane rainy forests. The snake is also found in bushes, on large plants, and small trees, and is very difficult to spot among the jungle foliage
• The snake has a medium-to-stout body and a short thin tail. The triangular-shaped head has a characteristic snout with upwards pointing tip (hence the term “hognose”); the head is very distinct from the neck. The body color of the rainforest hognosed pitviper may be in shades of brown (tan, yellow-brown, gray-brown, red-brown, or tan) with a thin red line on its back. There may be a series of dark four-sided patterns along both sides, and the underbelly of the snake may be pale brown or gray with darker blotches
• Human contact with the pitviper is not uncommon; these snakes are known to frequent banana, cacao, and cassava plantations and sometimes enter house gardens too. Rainforest Hognosed Pitviper Snake Bites can often cause envenomation (venom injection) that may result in deaths without treatment. It is believed that the venom may be a mix of hemotoxins that can cause variable symptoms including severe bleeding issues, motor impairment, and shock
• The signs and symptoms of Rainforest Hognosed 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, abdominal pain, and renal failure
• The administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is only considered for significant envenomation. Symptomatic treatment may include pain medication, wound care, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Rainforest Hognosed Pitviper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; without proper treatment, deaths have been reported