FaunaClassifieds - View Single Post - Western DB bites another Western DB!!!
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Old 12-02-2003, 02:34 AM   #6
snakegetters
Self envenomation and cagemate envenomation cases vary a lot by species. Westerns seem to do fairly okay when bitten by cagemates, unless there is a subsequent bacterial infection or serious physical trauma damage (fang through brain or other vital organ). Some other species have more issues than others.

Any wound including a fang puncture can kill a snake if it gets infected and the animal is stressed and immunosupressed. We may treat very severe swelling with steroids and give support antibiotics and pain medication if it seems warranted. If the swelling does not appear to be serious, we do nothing at all and just keep a careful eye on the patient.