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

• Oate's Twig Snake Bite
• Southern Bird Snake Bite
• Thelotornis Capensis Snake Bite

What is Southern Twig Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The southern twig snake (Thelotornis capensis) is an extremely slender-bodied snake that may range in size from nearly 3.5 feet to over 5.5 feet in length. The snake is found in several nations lying in the southern and southwestern region of the African continent. It is a venomous snake that belongs to the largest snake family termed Colubridae. The southern twig snake is the only known species of its genus with a lethal bite
• It is an arboreal reptile, meaning that it is a tree-dwelling snake, and is usually found in acacia trees and low-hanging bushes; it is active during the day (diurnal). The snake inhabits the dry grasslands (savannas), sparsely vegetated regions, riverine and coastal forests, and moist woodlands. The southern twig snake is an ambush predator that mainly feeds on chameleons (other lizards), birds including bats, frogs, and occasionally small snakes. The snake is known to tightly hold on to its prey after biting till it dies, and then swallow it whole, while hanging upside down
• The southern twig snake has a flattened, lance-shaped head (with long pointed snout and large eyes with keyhole-shaped pupils) that is distinct from its neck, a thin body, and a very long tail. This brightly-colored snake is usually seen in shades of grey-brown with irregular black and pink spots. The snake’s head may be blue-green with plenty of black spots (and some pink spots); the tongue is bright orange and black-tipped. The underbelly of the snake is grey to pink with darker blotches
• Human contact with the southern twig snake is not very uncommon, although bites are rarely reported. The snake is timid and relies on its slow (to absent) movement and camouflage to stay undetected. Although shy, the snake is easily disturbed and as a warning sign, can puff up its neck vertically to display bright colors and protrude its orange and black tongue. On further provocation, the snake is known to strike swiftly and viciously
• Southern Twig Snake Bites can cause moderate envenomation (venom injection through a bite) and be potentially lethal. The bite results in mild local effects and non-specific systemic symptoms, including generalized bleeding and necrosis beyond the bite site. The venom effect on humans are known to manifest following a delay of a few hours to even a day (after the snakebite)
• The snake venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins. The signs and symptoms of Southern Twig Snake Bite may include pain and swelling in the affected region, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, seizures, and collapse. Complications may include bleeding, severe coagulopathy, and kidney damage
• Currently, no specific antivenom (or antivenin) is available for Southern Twig Snake Bites. Symptomatic treatment is mainly supportive and includes wound care, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support as needed. The prognosis of the condition with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; fatalities from severe envenomation is generally uncommon but known to take place