![Blarina brevicauda ( Short tailed Shrew ) [ Original photo copyright © Jennifer Edalgo ]](images/other_life/TVP05001.jpg)
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Class: Mammalia
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Order: Insectivora
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Family: Soricidae
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Genus: Blarina
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Species: brevicauda
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Subspecies: aloga , angusta , brevicauda , churchi , compacta , hooperi , kirtlandi , manitobensis , pallida , talpoides , telmalestes
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Common Names
Short-tailed Shrew
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Region
North America
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Countries
Canada, United States of America
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Taxonomy and Biology
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Adult Length: 75 mm
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Habitat
Found in nearly all land habitats however do retain the ability to climb effectively. They are the most fossorial of American Shrews utilizing runways in leaves, plant debris and snow. Found in deciduous and coniferous forrests and in open fields.
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Habits
Construct subterranean burrows using strong paws and their stout cartilaginous nose. Individuals may also seek shelter in logs, stumps or building foundations. Two types of nests are constructed; a small resting nest about 80 mm x 160 mm and a larger mating nest about 250 mm x 150 mm.
Active all year round during the day or night but are most active at night. Individuals live a predominantly solitary lifestyle. In the wild individuals are thought to maintain territories however captive individuals will co-habitat if provided with sufficient space.
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Prey
Generalist and opportunistic consuming insects, small vertebrates, seeds, nut meats, other plant material, snails. Reported to cache edibles for later consumption.
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Toxins
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Average Quantity
Blarina toxin in submaxillary and sublingual glands 160 mg / 10-20 g shrew. Kita et al. (2004) (Ref : R001198).
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Preferred LD50 Estimate
Blarina toxin (BLTX) 1 mg / kg mouse injected i.p. Kita et al. (2004) (Ref : R001198).
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General: Neurotoxins
Present (insect neurotoxin)
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General: Myotoxins
Unknown
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General: Procoagulants
Unknown
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General: Anticoagulants
Unknown
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General: Haemorrhagins
Unknown
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General: Nephrotoxins
Unknown
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General: Cardiotoxins
Unknown
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General: Necrotoxins
Unknown
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General: Other Toxins
Unknown
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Clinical Effects
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General: Dangerousness
Not considered dangerous to humans
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General: Rate of Envenoming: Unknown
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General: Untreated Lethality Rate: No lethal potential from envenoming in humans
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General: Local Effects
Bites cause variable local reactions, from trivial to severe burning pain, extending up the limb, sometimes associated with extensive local swelling. Both pain and swelling can last up to several days.
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General: Local Necrosis
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: General Systemic Effects
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
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: Renal Damage
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: Cardiotoxicity
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: Other
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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First Aid
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Description: Bites by venomous mammals (shrews etc).
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Details
1. Remove the patient from continued exposure to the mammal.
2. If the mammal is still attached to the patient (ie still biting) then carefully prize the jaws open. Do not pull the mammal off as this may increase the extent of skin injury as some of these mammals have very sharp teeth that may lacerate the skin.
3. Note the physical characteristics of the mammal so that, if necessary, it can be described to health care workers. If you have a camera, photograph the mammal.
4. Clean the wound with antiseptic, if available, otherwise use clean, preferably sterile water.
5. If the wound is deep, or there is extensive damage, or if significant pain persists after 30 minutes, seek medical care.
6. Tetanus infection is possible with any bite wound. If the patient does not have current tetanus immunisation, seek medical care.
7. Secondary infection is possible with any bite wound. If the wound initially appears minor, but over the next few days becomes red, tender to touch, more painful, swollen, or develops a discharge, secondary infection may have developed. In this case seek urgent medical care.
8. Systemic (general) effects from salivary venom from these animals are not expected. If the patient develops any systemic (general) symptoms, such as headache, vomiting, fever, dizziness, weakness, difficulty breathing, or any other general symptom, seek urgent medical care. If breathing is impaired, support using available methods, including mouth-to-mouth breathing if nothing else is available. It is emphasised that such systemic effects are not expected and not reported and this advice is given for completeness, not in the expectation it is likely to be required.
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Treatment
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Treatment Summary
Bites may cause significant local pain and swelling, but not systemic envenoming, nor major local envenoming effects (other than pain). At most, venom plays only a minor or local role. Treatment should be directed to good wound care, symptomatic care, including analgesia, if necessary, and ensuring tetanus immunisation is up to date. Secondary infection may potentially occur, but routine prophylactic antibiotics are not required.
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Key Diagnostic Features
Local pain ± swelling, without systemic effects.
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General Approach to Management
Most cases will be minor & not require admission.
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Antivenom Therapy
No antivenom available
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