• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Environment and Ecology Conference
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• 2010.04a
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• pp.131-134
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• 2010

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.81.1-81.10
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• 2022

Background: Snakebites remain a devastating and life-threatening environmental hazard. While the management of snakebites has been well described in humans, few clinical data and guidelines exist for dogs, especially in Korea. Objectives: This retrospective study evaluated the clinical features of 70 dogs with snakebite wounds in Korea. Methods: The medical records of 72 dogs that presented to three animal hospitals from June 2008 to July 2021 were reviewed; among these, 70 dogs that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Their signalment, history, clinical signs, physical examination, blood analysis, treatment, and prognosis were also evaluated. Results: Of 70 dog owners, 35 (50%) witnessed the bite, with a mean time between bite and hospital presentation of 9.7 ± 4.1 h in 58 dogs. Blood smears were evaluated in 45 dogs, of which 28 (62%) showed echinocytosis. Anemia and acute kidney injury were found in 21 (29%) and 2 dogs (3%), respectively. A total of 37 dogs (53%) were hospitalized, 5 (7%) of which died. Conclusions: The most significant finding was the high prevalence of echinocytosis. The data from this retrospective study could inform the management of dogs bitten by snakes in Korea.