title: Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) envenomation in small animals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a comprehensive review of relevant literature regarding the brown recluse spider (BRS) and to define those criteria that must be satisfied before making a diagnosis of brown recluse envenomation.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The complex venom of the BRS contains sphingomyelinase D, which is capable of producing all the clinical signs in the human and some animal models.
  
  
  METHODS
  There is no current commercially available test. In humans there are many proposed guidelines to achieve a definitive diagnosis; however, there are no established guidelines for veterinary patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Currently, no consensus exists for treatment of BRS envenomation other than supportive care, which includes rest, thorough cleaning of the site, ice, compression, and elevation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prognosis varies based on severity of clinical signs and response to supportive care.
authors.affiliation: Central California Veterinary Specialty Center, Fresno, CA 93710the Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 and Biology Division, San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, CA, 92373.
authors.forename: Lonny B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Pace
authors.forename: Richard S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Vetter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D063287:Brown Recluse Spider; D004630:Emergencies / Q000662:veterinary; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; D001098:Spider Bites / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013111:Spider Venoms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D000997:Antivenins; D013111:Spider Venoms; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; C055160:sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase D
keywords: Loxosceles; dermonecrotic; matrix metalloproteinases; sphingomyelinase D