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

• Crotalus Cerastes Snake Bite
• Horned Rattlesnake Bite

What is Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The sidewinder rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) is a small-sized venomous snake that ranges in length from little less than 1.5 feet to over 2.5 feet. It comprises three subspecies that are found in parts of north Mexico and across southwest United States
• The following sub-species of sidewinder rattlesnakes are described in the scientific literature:
  • Crotalus cerastes cerastes that is also known as the Mojave Desert sidewinder
  • Crotalus cerastes cercobombus, also known as the Sonoran Desert sidewinder
  • Crotalus cerastes laterorepens, also known as the Colorado Desert sidewinder
• The sidewinder rattlesnake belongs to the sub-species 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
• This reptile is found in dry desert open habitats and wind-blown sandy and rocky landscapes having sparse vegetation. It is an ambush predator that preys on rodents, lizards, small mammals, and even other snakes, by partially hiding itself in sand (and sometimes, using the tail tip as bait)
• The sidewinder rattlesnake is mostly diurnal in nature; but during the hot summer periods, it is active during late evenings and nights. It hibernates during winters, taking shelter inside burrows or rocky crevices. The term ‘sidewinder’ is used to indicate the unusual form of locomotion (sideways slithering) of the snake, particularly on sandy desert terrain
• The snake comes in a few colors including olive green, gray, brown, cream, yellow or even pink, with dark geometrical patterns (diamond or oval shaped) on the body and blotches/spots on the sides. The underbelly of the snake is usually light-colored and it has a thick rattle tail
• The snake has a broad head that is triangular-shaped with a narrowed neck, medium-sized body, and a rattle tail. The sidewinder has characteristic raised scales above the eyes, giving it a “horned” appearance; and hence, it is also known as the horned rattlesnake. The body has a distinct spinal/dorsal ridge that continues till its tail
• Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bites involving humans are uncommon. These snakes also avoid humans and other larger predators through thermal detection and vibration awareness. Intruders, who approach the snake, may be warned by its continuous rattling, raised head and body posture, and striking actions
• Even though highly-infrequent, a bite from a fully-grown sidewinder rattlesnake has the potential to result in severe envenomation (venom injection) with significant symptoms, in the absence of adequate treatment. The snake venom is a potent mix of neurotoxins and hemotoxins, but this may vary according to the subspecies of the snake
• In general, the signs and symptoms of Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite may include pain at the bite site and local swelling. Systemic symptoms are normally not observed. However, very rarely, the bite can result in nausea and vomiting, impaired blood coagulation, shock and mild paralysis
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include the use of pain medication, platelet (blood) transfusion, and peritoneal dialysis, if needed. The prognosis of Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually excellent

Who gets Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Sidewinder Rattlesnake 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
• The distribution of the sidewinder rattlesnake includes the following geographical regions:
  • United States of America - southern tip of Nevada, few pockets in southwest Utah, southeast California, and southwest/south-central Arizona
  • Mexico - northwest Sonora and northeast Baja California, along the Gulf of California

What are the Risk Factors for Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite include the following factors:

• Living or residing in areas where the snake is found
• Camping, hiking, and trekking in the endemic regions
• Mountain climbing in unknown terrain, especially using one’s bare hands
• Walking unprotected through bushes, woods, and grasslands
• 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 Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite? (Etiology)

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

• The snake is found in hot and dry sandy deserts and usually away from human habitations. Most rattlesnakes bite only if threatened or in self defense, when they are provoked to a point of retaliation. Before it strikes, the snake displays sufficient warning and aggression signs, to be left alone
• In general, the venom of rattlesnakes depend on the sub-species, but may be neurotoxic and myotoxic affecting both the neurological system and hematological (blood) system. However, in the case of the sidewinder rattlesnake, potentially severe envenomation with fatal results is highly uncommon

According to literature, the envenoming rate of the sidewinder rattlesnake is less than 10%.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite?

The signs and symptoms of Sidewinder Rattlesnake 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.

In a vast majority of cases, no significant signs and symptoms are noted in Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bites. The venom may only result in the following symptoms:

• Pain at the bite site; presence of noticeable fang marks, which may be single or double set of marks
• In a majority of cases, snake bites occur on the feet and ankles followed by the hands
• Skin discoloration and blistering of skin may be seen
• Swelling at the bite site
• Generally, systemic symptoms are not noted

In rare cases of severe envenomation, the following signs and symptoms may also be observed:

• Bleeding from the wound; the oozing blood is thin
• Sensation of metallic taste in the mouth; salivation
• Twitching of eye and mouth
• Paresthesia or tingling sensation and numbness
• Chills and sweating
• Anxiety
• Breathing difficulties
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Blurred vision and droopy eyelids
• In some cases, death of tissue (or necrosis) around the affected region or limb, observed within a few days
• Low blood pressure
• Tachycardia, or heart rate that is above normal
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Weakness and malaise
• Neurological symptoms

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 a rattlesnake 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
• Also, if the individual has been treated using alternative/native medicines, it may present additional confusing symptoms. Thus, it is important to always consult a qualified healthcare provider promptly

How is Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite Diagnosed?

Sidewinder Rattlesnake 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: (many of these tests are repeated over the course of treatment)
  • Complete blood count (CBC) with differential and platelet count
  • White blood cell count
  • Hematocrit blood test: Hematocrit is the proportion of blood that is made up of red blood cells
  • 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
  • Arterial blood gas
• Urine test or urinalysis to test for free protein, myoglobin, and hemoglobin levels
• Continuous urine output monitoring is helpful to determine damage to the kidneys, if any
• Electrocardiogram or ECG, to check for arrhythmias (or irregular heartbeat) and hyperkalemia (increased blood potassium)
• Kidney function test
• Liver function test
• 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 Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite?

The complications of Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite are generally uncommon, but may be noted with severe envenomation and delayed treatment. The complications may rarely include:

• Multiple bites, causing injection of a large quantity of venom
• Internal hemorrhaging: Blood clotting defects resulting in internal bleeding
• Deep tissue and muscle damage of the affected leg or hand, which can result in superimposed infections and gangrene formation
• Loss of limb function
• Paralysis
• Severe shock
• Seizures and coma
• Multiple organ failure

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.

Antivenom reactions:

• Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to the antivenom that may be serious. This may develop within 10 minutes or even after 6 hours, typically starting with itchiness over the scalp and other skin areas
• Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions that require immediate medical treatment may include:
  • Low blood pressure or hypotension
  • Bronchospasm causing narrowing of the airways (bronchi) resulting in breathing difficulties
  • Angioedema: Swelling of skin tissue layers at various locations including the throat, causing speaking and breathing difficulties
• Serum sickness may develop as a complication of antivenom therapy causing fever, nausea, itchy skin, muscle and joint pain, etc. It may develop after 4 days or even 2 weeks (average 7 days) following the administration of antivenom serum

How is Sidewinder Rattlesnake 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 Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite, based on the medical evaluation of a trained healthcare professional:

• Administration of intravenous fluids to keep the patient well-hydrated; pain medication
• In rare cases of envenomation and severe symptoms: Administration of anti-snake venom (ASV) to neutralize the venom through slow intravenous injection or infusion method, especially when neurological symptoms, such as altered mental status, and cardiac abnormalities are noted
• Address any signs or early allergic reaction: A close observation of the patient is necessary for a minimum of 60 minutes immediately following antivenom administration, to detect early allergic reactions, if any
• 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
• 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
• Providing life support, such as ventilation assistance and treatment for shock, for those with severe symptoms leading to potential organ failure
• Medications to control blood pressure
• Rehabilitation of the affected limb through physical therapy

Note:

• For envenomation involving rattlesnake bites, the use of prophylactic antibiotic therapy is medically not advised
• Consultation with a medical toxicologist is recommended for all cases requiring the administration of anti-snake venom
• Even though antivenom therapy is the key treatment for systemic envenomation; on its own, it may never be adequate enough to completely resolve the condition. Other supportive and symptomatic measures are always necessary to save the patient
• The dose of antivenom does not vary for a child, adult, or even for a pregnant woman, since the snake typically injects the same quantity of venom into an individual
• 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 Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite be Prevented?

Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite may be avoided by:

• Learning to recognize rattlesnakes using the following tips:
  • The specific coloration and shapes/patterns on the body
  • The snake stays perfectly still and tries to blend more into the surrounding, until approached very closely or disturbed
  • The sideways movement of the sidewinder rattlesnake
  • Rattlesnakes provide clear warning signs by slightly expanding their body and raising their head and body when approached
  • The unmistakable back and forth shaking of tail producing a rattle sound
  • Before striking, the snake continuously coils in a serpentine manner
• If you spot a rattlesnake, step back slowly and keep a safe distance of at least 10 feet or more (between yourself and the snake)

Outdoors:

• 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 trekking or hiking; also, if you are with a pet, do not allow the pet to wander away
• 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 picking up 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
• Watch where you place your hands while climbing a ledge, trees, rocky slopes, or mountains
• Avoiding being outdoors at night in forested areas; be careful while camping outdoors
• Avoid tall grassy areas or thick bushes; if you plan to explore the area, use heavy boots and thick pants
• 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
• While walking outdoors at night, use a flashlight or lamp and make constant noise (singing or talking to others) or large stomping sounds that may alert the snake to move away from the region
• While walking through tall grass or undergrowth, try to walk one behind the other in a single file
• Avoid snake-infested regions or even walking on cleared forest paths and roads during nights, immediately after heavy rains that may flush snakes out to the open, due to flooding of their burrows and holes
• Wildlife explorers, amateur adventurers, and others are requested to carry first aid kit, especially when traveling through areas containing highly venomous snake species

Residential settlements:

• Keep homes and surrounding areas clean and clear of rubbish or leafy piles, termite mounds, even building materials (like bricks and large stones)
• Cut tall and unkempt grass or low-lying shrubs and bushes around dwelling areas that provides hiding places for snakes and other rodents
• In regions where snakes are regular home visitors, always switch on the lights before entering one’s shed or garages (and try to stand clear of exits that may serve as possible escape routes for the snakes)
• Natural disasters, such as floods and forest fires, are known to drive out snakes and other creatures into homes seeking shelter. Hence, always remain vigilant when returning home following such situations
• 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

Other points to consider:

• Exercise vigilance while working in farms, particularly during the harvest season or after flooding
• 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
• Do not reach into dark nooks/corners/recesses with your bare hands/foot
• Teach and educate children about the dangers and importance of snakes
• Take steps to educate the members of a community to identify venomous snakes, recognize bite symptoms, and how to avoid encounter with 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 Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite is dependent on the size of the snake, site of bite, overall health of the individual, promptness of medical response, and continued observance and treatment of complications following admission of the patient. In many cases, the prognosis is excellent with immediate treatment and administration of antivenom, since severe envenomation is generally not observed
• Occasionally, without treatment or access to proper healthcare, deaths from severe complications, such as respiratory distress, severe paralysis, and organ failure may occur; however, this is extremely infrequent and not commonly reported for sidewinders

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sidewinder Rattlesnake Bite:

• 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
• Depending on the geographical region, either monovalent antivenom or polyvalent antivenom may be administered for systemic envenomation. Monovalent antivenom neutralizes venom of a single snake species only, whereas polyvalent antivenom can neutralize the venom of several snake species.
• 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)