Acute, flaccid quadriplegia in three cats with suspected coral snake envenomation.
Three cats were evaluated for acute, ascending, flaccid quadriplegia; depression; and reduced nociception. Complete or partial neuromuscular junction blockade was found on nerve stimulation studies during electromyographic examinations. Two of the cases had wounds on the chin or paw compatible with coral snake bites. Although a coral snake was found in only one case, coral snake envenomation was suspected because potential for exposure, clinical signs, and electrodiagnostic findings were similar to dogs reported with this condition and to cats with tiger snake envenomation. Only one case received coral snake antivenin. All cases recovered within seven-to-10 days.
Chrisman
C L
CL
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Hopkins
A L
AL
Ford
S L
SL
Meeks
J C
JC
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002415:Cats; D004546:Elapid Venoms / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D017815:Elapidae; D004576:Electromyography / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood
D000997:Antivenins; D004546:Elapid Venoms; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium