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2 May 2022 Crotalid Polyvalent F(ab)2 Antivenom Treatment in a Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Acacia Masri, Kyra J. Berg, Joanne Paul-Murphy, David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Envenomation in avian species can result in death, with few cases of successful treatment described. A juvenile, wild-caught, intact female red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) used in falconry was presented for emergency evaluation after being bitten by a Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) approximately 2 hours before presentation. On presentation, the bird was quiet, alert, and responsive, with moderate swelling and discomfort of the digits on the right foot. Complete blood count (CBC) and plasma biochemistry abnormalities included a regenerative left shift, severe lymphopenia, and a moderate hypoproteinemia characterized by moderate hypoalbuminemia. Analgesic and antibiotic medications were administered during hospitalization. In addition, 5 mL of VenomVet was administered intravenously with crystalloid fluids over 60 minutes; no adverse effects were noted secondary to infusion. Improvement in the swelling was observed immediately after antivenom administration and nearly resolved within 12 hours. Complete resolution of digital swelling with no discomfort on palpation of that foot was observed 1 week after initial presentation. Blood collected at the 1 week reexamination was submitted for a CBC and plasma biochemistry panel. The results of the CBC revealed a reduced regenerative left shift, increased heterophil count, and a moderate monocytosis; the lymphopenia was resolved. A mild hypoalbuminemia still persisted. Ten months after presentation, the bird was reported to be doing well with no changes in function of the right foot and subsequently released from captivity.

© 2022 by the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Acacia Masri, Kyra J. Berg, Joanne Paul-Murphy, and David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman "Crotalid Polyvalent F(ab)2 Antivenom Treatment in a Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 36(1), 63-69, (2 May 2022). https://doi.org/10.1647/21-00002
Published: 2 May 2022
KEYWORDS
antivenin
antivenom
Avian
Buteo jamaicensis
envenomation
rattlesnake
red-tailed hawk
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