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

• Australian Black Snake Bite
• Pseudechis Porphyriacus Snake Bite

What is Red-Bellied Black Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) is a moderately venomous snake found in the Australian states of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria. This large reptile belongs to the Elapidae family, which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes. This robust-bodied and moderately slender snake usually grows from 5 feet to nearly 8.5 feet in length
• The snake has a relatively broad head with a rounded snout and medium-sized eyes; the head is almost indistinct from the neck. The snake has a medium-length black tail. The body of the snake is glossy, and in many cases, uniformly black with red-orange sides and belly. Some specimens have lighter pink to cream bellies
• The snake is found in a variety of tropical to temperate terrains, but mostly near waterbodies such as lakes, canals, rivers, and lagoons. It may inhabit grasslands, woodlands, mountain slopes, and dense forests, tending to seek refuge inside animal burrows and under fallen trees and large rocks. The red-bellied black snake preys on frogs (most important diet), lizards, small mammals (rodents), other snakes, and even fish and eels. The reptile hunts during evenings and nights when the weather is hot; it prefers to hunt by daytime during winters
• The snake has a generally placid disposition and contact with humans is fairly common, since the snake is found close to human settlements, including on agriculture lands and pastures. On the eastern coasts of Australia, the red-bellied black snake is the most commonly encountered venomous reptile
• When disturbed, the snake usually tries to flee from the area. It generally displays adequate warning signs, hissing loudly and holding its flattened body in a coiled manner. The snake will even attempt to mock strike with its mouth closed. On further provocation, the red-bellied black snake can bite quickly; it can also inject a large quantity of venom by holding onto its victim
• Red-Bellied Black Snake Bites can occasionally result in fatalities from systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite), if the condition is left untreated, due to the presence of highly potent myotoxins and hemotoxins in the venom. The rate of envenoming is between 40-60% and significant symptoms may be noted including bleeding issues, severe muscle tissue damage, and shock
• The signs and symptoms of Red-Bellied Black Snake Bite may include severe local pain and swelling at the bite site that is followed by headache, sweating, weakness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures, and dizziness. Rarely, severe complications may involve the muscular, cardiovascular, hematological (blood-related), and kidney and urinary systems
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include urgent wound care, use of vasopressor agents, blood transfusion, and peritoneal dialysis. The prognosis of Red-Bellied Black Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; untreated death rates from snake bites are reported at less than 1%