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

• Bocourt's Lancehead Snake Bite
• Porthidium Ophryomegas Snake Bite
• Western Hognose Pitviper Snake Bite

What is Slender Hognosed Pitviper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The slender hognosed pitviper (Porthidium ophryomegas) is a venomous snake found in Central America that includes the nations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. 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 slender hognosed pitviper can grow from nearly 1.5 feet to over 2.5 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 up to 3,300 feet (about 1,000 m) and inhabits dry tropical and subtropical forests and the drier areas of the wet forests in the endemic regions
• The snake has a relatively slender body and a short, heavily mottled tail. The triangular-shaped head is very distinct from the neck; the snout does not have the characteristic tip noted on other similar species. The body color of the slender hognosed pitviper may be in shades of gray and/or brown with a thin yellow/white/light brown line on its back. There may be a series of dark rhomboids along both sides, and the underbelly of the snake may be pale with heavy markings in light, dark brown, or gray color with darker blotches
• Human contact with the pitviper is not reportedly uncommon; the snake is known to be very aggressive if provoked and will strike readily and quickly. Slender Hognosed Pitviper Snake Bites often cause envenomation (venom injection) that could lead to fatalities without treatment. It is believed that the venom may be a mix of hemotoxins that can cause variable symptoms including bleeding issues and shock
• The signs and symptoms of the Slender Hognosed Pitviper Snake Bite may include moderate localized effects such as pain at the bite site, swelling, blistering, and numbness. Systemic symptoms may include tissue necrosis, headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and collapse
• 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 Slender Hognosed Pitviper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; deaths have not been documented though