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

• Nose-Horned Viper Snake Bite
• Rhinoceros-Horned Viper Snake Bite
• River Jack Snake Bite

What is Rhinoceros Viper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis) is a moderately venomous snake that is found widespread in Central Africa and along the coastal nations in Western Africa. The snake belongs to the viper family or Viperidae and is found in altitudes up to 8,200 feet (2,500 m). The rhinoceros viper can grow to a maximum size of about 5 feet or so, but the average adult size is a little over 2.5 feet
• The viper is a typically land-dwelling reptile that is seen in tropical rainforests and other dense dry and wet forests (including near swamps, marshes, and waterbodies); it may be occasionally found in areas of sparse vegetation too. The snake can climb low height trees and plants and swims well too, if needed. It has a slightly depressed body with a triangular cross-section; the snake has a very thick and heavy body with a short tail. The head is relatively narrow, flat, triangular and very distinct from its narrow neck; the snout is short and presents scaly nasal horns
• The rhinoceros viper color and pattern may vary from one region to another; it may be described with various geometric shapes in pale blue, red, lemon yellow, green, purple, white, and jet black. Head may be blue or green with distinctive black arrow mark; its belly dirty-white to dull green with plenty of black and grey blotches
• The snake is nocturnal in nature. It mostly preys on rodents, small mammals but can occasionally eat frogs, toads and fish. The rhinoceros viper has a mild disposition and is generally slow-moving, but it can strike quickly both forwards and to the side if provoked. It tends to puff and hiss repeatedly and loudly if disturbed. The snake prefers to hide in leaf litter, among fallen trees, or in root tangles of large trees during the day
• Human contact with this snake is not uncommon, but bites are infrequent since the snake is usually reluctant to strike. Some African communities are known to tolerate the presence of this viper. Rhinoceros Viper Snake Bites can result in moderate systemic envenomation (venom injection) but fatalities are not normally reported. The venom of the snake contains potent hemotoxins that can cause massive tissue necrosis, convulsions, and collapse
• The signs and symptoms of Rhinoceros Viper Snake Bite may include pain, bruising, and swelling at the bite site, which may be progressively followed by moderate to severe tissue necrosis, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and bleeding, necessitating immediate treatment
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Rhinoceros Viper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; without suitable treatment, the bites can be occasionally fatal