Posted: 27 December 2004 at 1:52pm | IP Logged

Hi,

I have recently visited a site which said that there was no antivenom for the Lataste's Viper. When there is no antivenom for a species what alternate treatment is given?

Or do they just use antivenom which is used for species of the same genus like ViperaTab?

Also i know that Vipera Berus bites are rarely fatal but are there any records of fatalities for the other European vipers like the Aspic Viper and Latastes Viper?

Thankyou.

Posted: 31 December 2004 at 7:50pm | IP Logged

I'm pretty sure that there are 'generic' antivemons which provide some protection across closely-related species. I seem to remember from somwhere that the standard antivenom we use in the UK is actually a mixture of VB and Vipera aspis? antivenoms.

A GREAT account to read concerning adder bites can be found in 'British Snakes' by Leonard G Appleby [ISBN 0 212 98393 8]. Not only does he provide a somewhat harrowing and detailed account of his own bite, but has a collection of accounts from other recipients of VB's attentions !

It may be out of print by now...I found my copy on eBay :P

Posted: 01 January 2005 at 3:14pm | IP Logged

Thankyou for the info and the account title I will definatly look for it.

I though there probably was a polyvalent antivenom to suit all bites concerning the vipera genus.