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

• Central Asian Saw Scaled Viper Snake Bite
• Echis Carinatus Snake Bite
• Indian Saw Scaled Viper Snake Bite

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

• The saw scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is a highly-venomous snake that is found widespread across the Indian subcontinent (including Sri Lanka) and large parts of Middle East and Central Asia. The snake belongs to the viper family, Viperidae (and subfamily Viperinae or true vipers), and is annually responsible for several tens of thousands of deaths, making it a giant killer in the endemic regions
• The factors that make the saw scaled viper a highly dangerous reptile are its frequent occurrence near dense human settlements, relatively small-size (mean size 1-2 feet; rarely reaches 3 feet), hard to spot nature (inconspicuous dorsal patterns), highly irritable disposition causing it to strike at the slightest of provocations, and deliverance of large venom quantity per bite
• Saw scaled vipers are typically nocturnal in nature (active during late evenings and nights), preying on small rodents, lizards, frogs, and other snakes. They are adept at climbing small trees and big plants and may be often found partially hidden under sand on hot afternoons. These vipers prefer dry and semi-dry landscapes including small hills, thorny thickets, scrub jungles, and grasslands, mostly hiding under rocks and thick vegetation
• The cylindrical-bodied and moderately slender snake presents a small tail. The triangular-shaped head of the snake with a blunt snout is distinct from its neck; the head may present a white cruciform mark. Depending on the geographical region, the snake comes in a variety of colors and patterns. This may be gray, olive green, yellow brown, or red brown with a series of crisscross geometric pattern of black and white spots (with brown tips); the underbelly is usually lighter or whitish with brown/black spots
• Since the saw-scaled viper is found close to highly populated regions and on agricultural lands, human contact is very commonly observed. The snake is also a bold and aggressive reptile, biting in the face of minimal threat. The snake usually coils into itself making low rasping sounds as its body sides rub against each other, before striking savagely. Saw Scaled Viper Snake Bites can cause severe envenomation (venom injection from a bite) resulting in deaths without early treatment; the rate of envenoming is over 80%
• The signs and symptoms of Saw Scaled Viper Snake Bite may include severe localized effects such as pain at the bite site, swelling, blistering, and swollen lymph glands. Systemic symptoms may include severe tissue damage and necrosis, dizziness, shock, seizures, bleeding problems, and renal failure. The venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins that can cause variable and non-specific symptoms
• 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, wound care, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Saw Scaled Viper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; but without suitable treatment, the lethality rate may be as high as 10%