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

• Bitis Cornuta Snake Bite
• Hornsman Adder Snake Bite
• Western Hornsman Snake Bite

What is Western Many-Horned Adder Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The western many-horned adder (Bitis cornuta) is a venomous snake that is primarily found in Sub-Saharan Africa, in the countries of Namibia and South Africa. The snake belongs to the viper family or Viperidae and is found at sea level, generally in dry rocky regions. The western many-horned adder can grow to a maximum size of 2.5 feet or so, but the average adult size is about 16 inches
• The viper is a land-dwelling reptile that is seen in rocky and sandy slope terrain, in fynbos (wide-ranging vegetation type of Southern African regions), semi-deserts, and mountains. It has a slightly flattened but very stout body with a short tail. The head is triangular, broad, with a short snout, and distinct from its narrow neck. The snake is characterized by raised horns (scaly projections) above each eye, giving the snake the epithet “many-horned”
• The western many-horned adder is generally gray or red-brown in color with a series of alternating dark and light colored bands with irregular edges on the back and sides. The head may present a dark arrow-shaped pattern and scaly streaks from the eye to the mouth. The belly of the snake is usually white or brown and speckled dark. It is capable of sidewinding (locomotion in which the body slithers sideways)
• The snake is active during early mornings and evenings, often burying itself in loose sand with only its head and eyes exposed. It mostly hunts small lizards, such as skinks, rodents, frogs, and small birds. The western many-horned adder is highly irritable and if disturbed, it lets out a loud hissing warning, puffs its body, and twists and coils, before getting ready to strike; it can lunge and throw its body forward (slightly lifting itself above the ground) and bite
• Western Many-Horned Adder Snake Bites can result in moderate systemic envenomation (venom injection) but fatalities are not reported, and human bites are generally uncommon. The venom may contain potent neurotoxins and myotoxins that can cause convulsions, shock, and collapse
• The signs and symptoms of Western Many-Horned Adder Snake Bite may include severe local effects, such as pain, bruising, and swelling at the bite site, which may be progressively followed by tissue necrosis, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness, necessitating immediate treatment
• There is no specific antivenom (or antivenin) for this snake bite; although, some reports inform that a polyvalent antivenom is used to treat envenomation. Symptomatic treatment is necessary and may include pain medication, wound care, and intravenous fluid administration, as needed. The prognosis of Western Many-Horned Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good