Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) envenomation of a dog.

CASE REPORT

An 8-year-old mixed-breed dog was envenomed by a juvenile coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus). The dog presented initially with coagulopathy and weakness, then developed neuromuscular paralysis and respiratory failure. Progressive myopathy peaked 3 days following admission. Taipan antivenom administration, mechanical ventilation therapy and supportive patient care resulted in complete recovery. Symptoms of neuropathy began to resolve 3 days following envenomation, with the dog discharged 6 days following envenomation.

CONCLUSION

To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of coastal taipan envenomation of a dog.