Ophidian accident in a dog: hematological, biochemical, hemogasometric, electrolytic, and urinary findings

Abstract

A 13 year old female dog with a history of being bitten by Crotalus snake was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande - Patos – PB approximately 24 hours after being bitten. Hematological, biochemical, electrolytic, hemogasometric and urinary parameters were evaluated in the animal. No significant changes were observed in hematological analysis, only mild leukocytosis and decreased platelets. In the biochemical analysis a severe increase of AST, CK and LDH enzymes was observed, indicating severe muscle damage. The electrolytes K⁺ and Na⁺ were normal, while Ca⁺ and Cl^- increased. Metabolic acidosis was observed in the hemogasometric analysis. Most of the parameters evaluated in urinalysis were altered. The ophidian accident in the case in question had a relevant ability to change the parameters evaluated.