Feline Snake Bite Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Snake envenomation is a potentially life-threatening emergency in feline medicine that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Although cats are bitten less frequently than dogs due to their cautious nature, feline envenomation cases tend to present in more advanced clinical stages. This is largely because cats often hide after being bitten, delaying veterinary intervention. Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of snake envenomation is essential for NAVLE success and clinical practice.

In North America, approximately 99% of venomous snake bites are inflicted by pit vipers (family Crotalidae), which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths (water moccasins). The remaining 1% are caused by coral snakes (family Elapidae). An estimated 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten by pit vipers annually in the United States.

Venomous Snake Classification in North America

Understanding snake classification is essential for predicting clinical signs and selecting appropriate antivenom therapy.