Reptile & Amphibian Forums

for a poisonous snake? is it just 1 bottle or as much as you can buy? how much do YOU store? thanks for reading!

I think the absolute minimum would be 10 vials, of course that depends on what specie of venomous snake. I would have more on hand for elapids than crotalids.
Wait until Al comes in here, he'll be more specific.

Randal Berry

We keep 20 vials of CroFab for our North American species (excluding corals). An average bite may take 10-20 but some bites may go upwards of 30-40 (for real severe cases). We have several nearby hospitals on standby should we need to find more. For our other exotics, we keep a minimum amount, or, make arrangements with nearby zoos who we work closely with (there are times when we will assist in a confiscation with USFWS/DNR in which we take in an exotic venomous species that we normally don't carry A/V for; in those cases, it is paramount that we identify those facilities within a short distance that we can obtain some should we need it....knock on wood, we have never had a bite in 20 years).

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>I think the absolute minimum would be 10 vials, of course that depends on what specie of venomous snake. I would have more on hand for elapids than crotalids.
>>Wait until Al comes in here, he'll be more specific.
>>
>>Randal Berry
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Hi:

In a bit of of rush this morning but I will be more complete this evening.

Rob is right for CroFab 20 minumum is a good number to keep around which will set you back $20,000. It's stored at 4 degrees C for up to 3 years (I think).

If you were more specific about what species you have, then I could be more specific with a reply.

Cheers!

Al

0.1 Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus

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"Snakes in Peru are not there for decoration, they really bite people."

Professor David Warrell, Omaha 10/21/05

Snakes are not Poisonous, they are Venomous!

Al
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"Snakes in Peru are not there for decoration, they really bite people."

Professor David Warrell, Omaha 10/21/05

Ideally, one would want to stock enough AV for at least 2 moderate to severe bites. Depending on the species, AV, country it's from, etc. the actual number of vials recommended on hand can vary dramatically. For example, some Australian elapid bites can easily be managed on less than 10 vials (sometimes far less) of CSL AV. Here in N.A., it can take a whopping 20-40 vials to treat severe crotalid bites!