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

• Pseudonaja Guttata Snake Bite
• Spotted Brown Snake Bite

What is Speckled Brown Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The speckled brown snake (Pseudonaja guttata) is a highly venomous snake that is found in the north central regions of Australia, in the states of Northern Territory, Queensland, and South Australia. The snake belongs to the Elapidae family, which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes. This slender snake can grow to sizes ranging from 3 feet to nearly 5 feet
• Unlike other Pseudonaja species, the head of the speckled brown snake is markedly angular with large eyes. The snake has a dark brown-gray back and lighter-colored belly. It may have prominently visible spots on its back. The tail of the snake is long and tapered
• The snake inhabits open vegetated lands near waterbodies in dry and semi-dry tropical climate. It is also seen in open tussock grasslands, sedgelands, and woodlands. The terrestrial snake is active during the day but has a nocturnal tendency during the hotter seasons. The speckled brown snake mainly preys on lizards (skinks) and small mammals, that are found in the dry and deep black soil cracks of the terrain where it generally resides
• It is a fast-moving snake that is timid and docile looking to generally flee when disturbed. However, if the snake is cornered, it will raise its forebody off the ground in a coiled “S” position and attempt to lunge and strike so as to intimidate the attacker; the snake is known to only bite under sufficient provocation
• The snake can also take shelter under logs or other surface debris. Human interactions are not uncommon. Speckled Brown Snake Bites can result in fatalities due to systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite), if the condition is left untreated, due to the presence of highly potent neurotoxins and hemotoxins in the venom
• The fangs of the snake are comparatively small, and no local pain or swelling may be observed initially following a bite. The bite marks also remain very inconspicuous resulting in ignorance of the bite incident in some cases. However, the rate of envenoming for a speckled brown snake is reported at 20-40%, and first aid is very important
• The signs and symptoms of Speckled Brown Snake Bite may be non-specific and include headaches, sweating, weakness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and collapse. Severe widespread symptoms and complications may result in seizures, flaccid paralysis, bleeding issues, hemolytic anemia (rarely), renal damage, and sudden cardiac arrest
• 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 vasopressor agents, blood transfusion, peritoneal dialysis, and breathing support, as needed. The prognosis of Speckled Brown Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; untreated bites has a 10-20% fatality rate