Successful management of Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) envenomation in a two-year-old non-descript male dog

Abstract

Snake envenomation is a frequent veterinary emergency in tropical regions, particularly in India, where Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) is a major cause of severe systemic toxicity. A two-year-old non-descript male dog was presented in lateral recumbency following a suspected Russell’s viper bite, with clinical signs including hemoglobinuria and incoagulable blood confirmed by a positive 20-minute whole blood clotting test (WBCT20). These findings were consistent with systemic envenomation characterised by venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC) and intravascular hemolysis. The dog was promptly treated with polyvalent anti-snake venom, tetanus toxoid, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and intensive supportive therapy. Marked clinical improvement was observed within days, with normalization of coagulation parameters and renal function. The patient achieved full recovery after seven days of hospitalization. This case highlights the effectiveness of early antivenom therapy and supportive care, and underscores the utility of WBCT20 as a rapid bedside diagnostic tool in resource-limited veterinary settings.