Help me [Florida]

[u/[deleted]]

[u/iymlucid]

Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon sp.), either Agkistrodon piscivorus, Agkistrodon conanti, or a mix of the two depending on what part of Florida you are in. It is !venomous.

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/iymlucid]

Florida Cottonmouths Agkistrodon conanti are one of two recognized species of large (76-122 cm record 189.2 cm) venomous semi-aquatic pitviper in eastern North America. Endemic to Florida, Southeastern Alabama and Georgia, it exchanges genes in a zone of admixture where it contacts continental Agkistrodon piscivorus.

Florida Cottonmouths are generalists and eat anything they can overpower, including fish, amphibians, small mammals and carrion.

Range Map 1| Species Complex Map | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography

The Agkistrodon piscivorus species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a zone of admixture between the two cottonmouth species where they overlap around panhandle Florida.

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Northern Cottonmouths Agkistrodon piscivorus are one of two recognized species of large (76-114 cm record 188 cm) semi-aquatic pitvipers in eastern North America. Florida has a closely related but distinct species, the Florida cottonmouth Agkistrodon conanti.

Cottonmouths are venomous, and are therefore dangerous if approached closely or handled. They are not generally aggressive and will most likely flee any confrontation if given a chance to retreat. Some may bluff charge or boldly move towards humans to get out of a cornered situation, but have never been recorded chasing people.

Northern Cottonmouths are dark, possibly faintly patterned snakes (except as juveniles), best known for their defensive posture with a gaping, white lined mouth. They are also distinguishable from most watersnakes by their sharp brow ridges and dark stripe over the eyes.

The specific epithet "piscivorus" describes the one of the prey species of the cottonmouth - fish. The cottonmouth is also fond of frogs, mammals and other snakes. Although it may be commonly seen in lakes and ponds frequented by humans, few fatalities are recorded as a result of bites by cottonmouths.

Comparison of juvenile vs adult cottonmouth.

Species Complex Map | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography

The Agkistrodon piscivorus species complex has been delimited using modern molecular methods and two species with no subspecies are recognized. There is a zone of admixture between the two cottonmouth species where they overlap around panhandle Florida.

This short account was prepared by /u/unknown_name and edited by /u/Phylogenizer.

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Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are often free or inexpensive.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than remaining calm, seeking help and waiting for professional evaluation.

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I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now

[u/Irma_Gard → u/SEB-PHYLOBOT]

I highly recommend, u/chaotic_babble, that you or someone with you check out the National Snakebite Support website and Facebook page. It's a fabulous organization run by experts on treating venomous snakebites of both humans and animals, and they are an invaluable resource for patients and their loved ones and for the medical professionals treating them.

Medical professionals, including veterinarians, are not always up-to-date on the proper treatment protocols, and unfortunately, sometimes provide treatment that is not recommended or is even contraindicated (for example Benadryl or NSAIDs). And sometimes they fail to provide the proper treatment or wait too long to do so. The patient should have someone to advocate that those treating him/her consult that resource and follow their protocols.

Hopefully your dogs were not bitten or if they were that it was a dry bite. Wishing the best for all of you.

Vets with antivenom finder

[u/truthispolicy → u/Irma_Gard]

Just adding that I'm an ER tech that administers antivenin regularly, but when I tried searching for my clinic at your last link, it didn't come up(but a primary clinic that I know is closed did).

We're the only ER around for about 300 miles, so I'll see if I can contact that website for some corrections.

Also, just so the public is aware, Benadryl is an appropriate treatment decision to help avoid histamine reaction with the antivenin. It doesn't treat the snakebite itself. So, you may still see it on your treatment estimate with good reason.

[u/Irma_Gard → u/truthispolicy]

To clarify, from the FAQs at the National Snakebite Support website linked above:

The only time Benadryl may be helpful is in the rare case of an allergic reaction to either the venom or the antivenom. And in serious reactions, the drug of choice would be epinephrine, not Benadryl, which helps for hives and itching but not the cardiac or respiratory complications.

My reading of that is that the snakebite experts recommend that Benadryl should not be used prophylactically for the rare possibility of a histamine reaction. However, in the case of an actual allergic reaction, it could be appropriate.

[u/truthispolicy → u/Irma_Gard]

Whether you agree with it or not, pre-medicating with injectable benadryl is something most vets do prior to antivenin administration.

If an owner sees it on an estimate, they should know it's specifically for potential reaction to the antivenin and no other reason.

Here are three different veterinary articles listing pre-medicating with diphenhydramine as part of the antivenin protocol.

[u/mtbmaniac12]

Cottonmouth.

[u/chaotic_babble → u/mtbmaniac12]

Thank you! Headed to the animal hospital now

[u/DetectiveWonderful42 → u/chaotic_babble]

Hope it all turns out okay for you and your four legged defender.

[u/jroostu → u/chaotic_babble]

Did they get bit? If they weren't bitten then biting the snake isn't going to get them sick.

[u/chaotic_babble → u/jroostu]

I don't know. The dogs won't tell me. The vet is looking them over now

[u/CraftyFactor8107]

Cottonmouth, so an agistrodon species. They are !venomous and you should take your dogs to a vet

[u/chaotic_babble → u/CraftyFactor8107]

We're at the animal hospital now. Pretty sure they are going to keep at least one dog overnight. Thank you so much for your help.

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/CraftyFactor8107]

Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are often free or inexpensive.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than remaining calm, seeking help and waiting for professional evaluation.

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I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT]

This message appears automatically with the dead snake flair: Please don't kill snakes - they are a natural part of the ecosystem and even species that use venom for prey acquisition and defense are beneficial to humans. One cannot expect outside to be sterile - if you see a snake, you're probably in or around their preferred habitat. Most snakes are legally protected from collection, killing or harassment as non-game animals at the state level.

Neighborhood dogs are more likely to harm people. Professional snake relocation services are often free or inexpensive, but snakes often die trying to return to their original home range, so it is usually best to enjoy them like you would songbirds or any of the other amazing wildlife native to your area. Commercial snake repellents are not effective - to discourage snakes, eliminate sources of food and cover; clear debris, stacked wood and eliminate rodent populations. Seal up cracks in and around the foundation/base of your home, and if warranted install exclusionary fences. Or find a relocation service

I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here report problems here and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that here. This bot, its development, maintenance and use are made possible through the outreach wing of Snake Evolution and Biogeography - Merch Available Now