Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There have been several posts regarding the availability of A/V during the recent story of the rhino bite in OH. This whole thing is a tragedy, and really our true thoughts should be with the family at this time. However, I wanted to clarify a few things. I can not, of course, give out all of the info regarding this due to confidentiality concerns, but I can say this: Antivenom was obtained from Cincinnati, Toledo, and Louisville zoos. We were contacted about it but ours was not needed. By the time the gentleman got to UC it was too late and the progression of the bite too far for the antivenom to work. This is a perfect example why keepers of exotic venomous should have their own antivenom, as the time delay in getting it probably contributed to the serious consequences of this bite. It was not the zoos that caused the delay, it was the fact that he had to wait for it to be sent. We can not snap our fingers and make the antivenom appear magically, it has to be taken to the airport, etc. As far as Dade county is concerned, thier antivenom was not needed. All that was needed was in the area already.
-Kristen
KY Reptile Zoo

Hi,it would be nice to have more info on "it was too late and the progression of the bite too far for the antivenom to work."If the patient is still alive then he/she should be receiving anti-venom if indicated.Any more info on this particular area would be apreciated if it doesn't cause any legal complications.
regards
John

I can speak in general:
Delay of a/v administration can result in irreparable organ damage. Some venom toxins cause damage directly to the tissue, while others cause reduced blood (and thus oxygen) circulation. These factors cause damage that can not be corrected, even if a/v is later given, it can not correct this type of damage. The patient could live for a period of time (like a day) after sustaining such damage, but will eventually die no matter what. The doctors involved in this case were experienced and did all they could. We can not say exactly what the treatment or circumstances were, of course, but each envenomation has individual factors that play a role in the course of the treatment and treatment decisions, and in the final outcome.
Remember the only reason for a delay of a/v administration in this case was that the victim did not have his own supply, and nearby zoos had to send it to him.