Pseudechis colletti Family: Elapidae Subfamily: Elapinae Genus: Pseudechis Species: colletti Common Names Collett's Snake Region Australia Countries Australia   Taxonomy and Biology Adult Length: 1.50 m General Shape Large in length, moderately slender and moderately robust snake with a medium length tail. Can reach a maximum total length of over 2.00 metres. Head is broad, slightly short, blunt and slightly distinct from neck. The brow ridge is medium to long. Eyes are medium in size with round pupils. Head and body scales are glossy. Habitat Warm temperate to subtropical black soil flood plains in open woodland, grasslands and sedgelands. Habits Mainly diurnal and terrestrial during cooler months with nocturnal tendencies in hotter weather. Placid disposition. If cornered it will inflate its body and make short, but loud hisses until half deflated. The display will be repeated until it tires or escapes. If provoked it will bite. Shelters in or under logs, deep soil cracks and sink holes. Prey Feeds mainly on lizards and small mammals, frogs when available, and is cannibalistic. Species Map Small (Approx 20k) version   Venom Average Venom Qty 48 mg ( dry weight of milked venom ), Meier and White (1995) ( Ref : R000001 ) Preferred LD50 Estimate 2.38 mg / kg sc ( mice ), Meier and White (1995) ( Ref : R000001 ) General: Venom Neurotoxins Possibly present but not clinically significant General: Venom Myotoxins Systemic myotoxins present General: Venom Procoagulants Not present General: Venom Anticoagulants Direct coagulation inhibitor General: Venom Haemorrhagins Not present General: Venom Nephrotoxins Secondary nephrotoxicity only General: Venom Cardiotoxins Secondary cardiotoxicity only General: Venom Necrotoxins Not present General: Venom Other Not present or not significant   Clinical Effects General: Dangerousness Severe envenoming possible, potentially lethal General: Rate of Envenoming: 40-60% General: Untreated Lethality Rate: 20-30% General: Local Effects Local pain, swelling & bruising General: Local Necrosis Rarely occurs, minor only General: General Systemic Effects Variable non-specific effects which may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, collapse or convulsions General: Neurotoxic Paralysis Unlikely to occur General: Myotoxicity Very common, major clinical effect, usually moderate to severe General: Coagulopathy & Haemorrhages Uncommon to rare, but may be moderate to severe coagulopathy General: Renal Damage Recognised complication, usually secondary to myolysis General: Cardiotoxicity Uncommon, secondary to myolysis-induced hyperkalaemia General: Other Not likely to occur   First Aid Description: First aid for bites by Elapid snakes which do not cause significant injury at the bite site (see Comments for partial listing), but which may have the potential to cause significant general (systemic) effects, such as paralysis, muscle damage, or bleeding. 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. For Australian snakes only, do not wash or clean the wound in any way, as this may interfere with later venom detection once in a hospital. 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. If the bite is on a limb, a broad bandage (even torn strips of clothing or pantyhose) should be applied over the bitten area at moderate pressure (as for a sprain; not so tight circulation is impaired), then extended to cover as much of the bitten limb as possible, including fingers or toes, going over the top of clothing rather than risking excessive limb movement by removing clothing. The bitten limb should then be immobilised as effectively as possible using an extemporised splint or sling. 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.   Treatment Treatment Summary Collett's snake bites have a high potential for major envenoming and require urgent assessment. For all cases with significant systemic effects (especially myolysis, anticoagulant coagulopathy) give antivenom. Key Diagnostic Features Local pain & swelling + myolysis ± anticoagulant coagulopathy ± renal failure General Approach to Management All cases should be treated as urgent & potentially lethal. Rapid assessment & commencement of treatment including appropriate antivenom (if indicated & available) is mandatory. Admit all cases. Antivenom Therapy Antivenom is the key treatment for systemic envenoming. Multiple doses may be required. Antivenoms 1. Antivenom Code: SAuCSL09 Antivenom Name: Black Snake Antivenom Manufacturer: CSL Limited Phone: ++61-3-9389-1911 Toll free: 1800 642 865 Address: 45 Poplar Road Parkville Victoria 3052 Country: Australia 2. Antivenom Code: SAuCSL12 Antivenom Name: Polyvalent Snake Antivenom ( Australia - New Guinea ) Manufacturer: CSL Limited Phone: ++61-3-9389-1911 Toll free: 1800 642 865 Address: 45 Poplar Road Parkville Victoria 3052 Country: Australia   Images Pseudechis colletti ( Collett's Snake ) [ Original photo copyright © Dr Julian White ] Pseudechis colletti ( Collett's Snake ) [ Original photo copyright © Dr Julian White ] Click here for larger version Click here for larger version