Snake envenomation in cats and its detection by rapid immunoassay.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the usefulness of a snake venom detection kit (SVDK) in the management of envenomed cats.


METHODS
A clinical study.


METHODS
Twenty-two cats were investigated.


METHODS
Cats injected subcutaneously with approximately 0.25 or 1.0 lethal dose (LD) of tiger snake venom or 1 or 4 LD of brown snake venom were observed for clinical symptoms of envenomation at intervals over the ensuring 24 to 48 hours(h). Blood and urine samples were taken at regular intervals and assayed in a quantitative laboratory assay for snake venoms. Selected samples were assayed in parallel in a rapid, semi-quantitative SVDK.


RESULTS
The studies showed that it was important to estimate the elapsed time from envenomation to presentation. If this time was less than 8 h, blood was the most appropriate sample and a negative result should exclude serious envenomation. If the elapsed time exceeded 8 h, it was essential that urine be sampled. Venom levels in urine were high at 8 h and approached the level of test sensitivity over 24 to 48 h; however by this time clinical signs were obvious in endangered cats.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful use of the SVDK is a valuable aid in the management of a potentially envenomed cat.
Moisidis
A V
AV
CSL Limited, Parkville, Victoria.
James
T
T
Smith
H V
HV
Cox
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000652:urine; D002415:Cats; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D012910:Snake Venoms / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine*; D012911:Snakes; D013997:Time Factors
D012910:Snake Venoms