title: Rattlesnake envenomation in horses: 58 cases (1992-2009).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To characterize signalment, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome in horses with rattlesnake envenomation in northern California.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  58 client-owned horses evaluated for rattlesnake envenomation at 2 referral hospitals from 1992 to 2009.
  
  
  METHODS
  Records of horses with rattlesnake envenomation were reviewed, and data concerning signalment, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome were collected. In addition, a rattlesnake-bite severity score (RBSS) was assigned to each horse. Variables were compared between horses that survived and those that did not.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall mortality rate was 9%. Nine horses received antivenin; no complications were reported and none of the 9 died. The most common laboratory findings associated with severity of envenomation were thrombocytopenia, hypoproteinemia, hyperlactatemia, and a high RBSS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most horses in this study had a good prognosis after being bitten by rattlesnakes. Laboratory and clinical examination findings may be useful for identifying horses with a poorer prognosis. Treatment with antivenin may be beneficial and warrants further evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, Loomis, CA 95650, USA. langdonfielding@yahoo.com
authors.forename: C Langdon
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Fielding
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pusterla
authors.forename: K Gary
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Magdesian
authors.forename: Jill C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: Chloe A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Meier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000997:Antivenins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017839:Crotalus; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000997:Antivenins