![Proatheris superciliaris ( Lowland Viper ) [ Original photo copyright © Franck Principaud]](images/snakes/SNP01991.jpg)
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Family: Viperidae
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Subfamily: Viperinae
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Genus: Proatheris
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Species: superciliaris
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Common Names
Lowland Viper , Swamp Viper , Domino-bellied Viper , Eyebrow Viper , Flood-plain Viper , Floodplain Viper , Swamp Adder , Lowland Swamp Viper
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Local Names
Laagland Adder , Moeras Adder
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Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
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Countries
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
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Taxonomy and Biology
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Adult Length: 0.45 m
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General Shape
Small in length, slightly compressed, moderately robust bodied snake with a short and distinct tail in females and a less distinct but longer tail in males. Can grow to a maximum of about 0.60 metres in females and 0.55 metres for males. Head is distinctly elongate and distinct from narrow neck. Snout is rounded, broad and canthus is distinct. Eyes are medium in size with vertically elliptical pupils. Dorsal scales are strongly keeled with apical pits and dorsal scales larger toward vertebral line than laterally ( 1st dorsal scale row enlarged and smooth or feebly keeled ). Ventrals are smooth and rounded.
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Habitat
Low lying marshes, swamps and flood plains and grasslands thereabouts.
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Habits
Terrestrial and nocturnal snake, most active during early evening. It inhabits rodent burrows, emerging at dusk to feed. Has a reputation for being ill-tempered and will strike readily if threatened.
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Prey
Feeds almost exclusively on small frogs, particularly reed frogs, and small lizards.
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Venom
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General: Venom Neurotoxins
Probably not present
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General: Venom Myotoxins
Probably not present
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General: Venom Procoagulants
Present but not defined
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General: Venom Anticoagulants
Probably not present
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General: Venom Haemorrhagins
Possibly present
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General: Venom Nephrotoxins
Probably not present
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General: Venom Cardiotoxins
Unknown
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General: Venom Necrotoxins
Probably not present
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General: Venom Other
Unknown
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Clinical Effects
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General: Dangerousness
Severe envenoming possible, potentially lethal
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General: Rate of Envenoming: Unknown
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General: Untreated Lethality Rate: Unknown but may cause major envenoming
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General: Local Effects
Local pain, swelling, bruising & blistering
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General: Local Necrosis
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: General Systemic Effects
Variable non-specific effects which may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, tachypnoea, respiratory distress, hypotension, dizziness, collapse or convulsions
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General: Neurotoxic Paralysis
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: Myotoxicity
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: Coagulopathy & Haemorrhages
Uncommon to rare, but may be moderate to severe coagulopathy
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General: Renal Damage
Uncommon to rare, usually secondary effect
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General: Cardiotoxicity
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: Other
Unknown
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First Aid
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Description: First aid for bites by Viperid snakes likely to cause significant local injury at the bite site (see listing in Comments section).
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Details
1. After ensuring the patient and onlookers have moved out of range of further strikes by the snake, the bitten person should be reassured and persuaded to lie down and remain still. Many will be terrified, fearing sudden death and, in this mood, they may behave irrationally or even hysterically. The basis for reassurance is the fact that many venomous bites do not result in envenoming, the relatively slow progression to severe envenoming (hours following elapid bites, days following viper bites) and the effectiveness of modern medical treatment.
2. The bite wound should not be tampered with in any way. Wiping it once with a damp cloth to remove surface venom is unlikely to do much harm (or good) but the wound must not be massaged.
3. All rings or other jewellery on the bitten limb, especially on fingers, should be removed, as they may act as tourniquets if oedema develops.
4. The bitten limb should be immobilised as effectively as possible using an extemporised splint or sling; if available, crepe bandaging of the splinted limb is an effective form of immobilisation.
5. If there is any impairment of vital functions, such as problems with respiration, airway, circulation, heart function, these must be supported as a priority. In particular, for bites causing flaccid paralysis, including respiratory paralysis, both airway and respiration may be impaired, requiring urgent and prolonged treatment, which may include the mouth to mask (mouth to mouth) technique of expired air transfer. Seek urgent medical attention.
6. Do not use Tourniquets, cut, suck or scarify the wound or apply chemicals or electric shock.
7. Avoid peroral intake, absolutely no alcohol. No sedatives outside hospital. If there will be considerable delay before reaching medical aid, measured in several hours to days, then give clear fluids by mouth to prevent dehydration.
8. If the offending snake has been killed it should be brought with the patient for identification (only relevant in areas where there are more than one naturally occurring venomous snake species), but be careful to avoid touching the head, as even a dead snake can envenom. No attempt should be made to pursue the snake into the undergrowth as this will risk further bites.
9. The snakebite victim should be transported as quickly and as passively as possible to the nearest place where they can be seen by a medically-trained person (health station, dispensary, clinic or hospital). The bitten limb must not be exercised as muscular contraction will promote systemic absorption of venom. If no motor vehicle or boat is available, the patient can be carried on a stretcher or hurdle, on the pillion or crossbar of a bicycle or on someone's back.
10. Most traditional, and many of the more recently fashionable, first aid measures are useless and potentially dangerous. These include local cauterization, incision, excision, amputation, suction by mouth, vacuum pump or syringe, combined incision and suction ("venom-ex" apparatus), injection or instillation of compounds such as potassium permanganate, phenol (carbolic soap) and trypsin, application of electric shocks or ice (cryotherapy), use of traditional herbal, folk and other remedies including the ingestion of emetic plant products and parts of the snake, multiple incisions, tattooing and so on.
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Treatment
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Treatment Summary
Most bites minor, but at least some Atheris species can cause major systemic envenoming, with severe local swelling, shock, coagulopathy, bleeding, renal damage. No antivenom is available, so treatment is symptomatic, supportive, and if severe coagulopathy, consider factor replacement.
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Key Diagnostic Features
Local pain, swelling + coagulopathy & haemorrhage
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General Approach to Management
While most cases will be minor, not requiring admission, some cases will be more severe, requiring admission and treatment, so assess carefully before early discharge.
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Antivenom Therapy
No antivenom available
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