Agkistrodon self envenomation

I was just cleaning my copperhead cages and was transferring one of my laticinctus into a holding container when it turned and bit itself on the tip of it's tail. This particular snake is very high strung and tends to go nuts whenever it's bothered.
I'm not particularly concerned because this snake has bit itself once before. On that occasion it had some localized edema that lasted a day or two but that was the extent of it.
I cleaned the site with hydrogen peroxide and applied Bacitracin.
<img src=http://gila.fieldherpers.com/Photos/latbite.jpg>

I know that some venomous snakes can suffer serious symptoms or even death following a self envenomation but has anyone ever experienced or know of any serious self inflicted bites involving Agkistrodon?

Dealt with a number of cottonmouth and copperhead self envenomations and cagemate envenomations. None had serious long term consequences. It would be smart to keep the wound site clean and be vigilant against the possibility of a bacterial infection or abscess.

If the localized swelling is a major problem (may compromise breathing, the ability of the mouth to close or the integrity of spinal nerves) then consider corticosteroids. Otherwise topical antiseptics are fine. Support antibiotics may be used to prevent or control infection but will not always be necessary. Remember if you start giving a course of antibiotics you must finish it.

Quickest way to apply antiseptics to a wound on a venomous snake is from a spray bottle at a distance. This can be done once or twice a day without unduly stressing the animal. A more complete examination and debriedment would mean catching and tubing the animal.

Good idea with the spray bottle application. I'm going to pick up some Chlorhexidine for that kind of stuff. Most of my snakes don't seem to mind being tubed for an occasional examination that much but this snake absolutely despises any human contact at all. I don't want to stress her any more than necessary.

She's kinda got that "Proatheris" type personality.

This copper isn't one of the pair you got from me awhile back, is it? They were absolute buggers. Not sure why captive bred cottons and coppers often turn out like that, but they do. Much nastier than WC adults.

No, this is one I got from Adam. The ones I got from you are sweethearts in comparison.