Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) envenomation of a dog

Abstract

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 3days following admission. Taipan antivenom administration, mechanical ventilation therapy and supportive patient care resulted in complete recovery. Symptoms of neuropathy began to resolve 3days following envenomation, with the dog discharged 6days following envenomation. Conclusion: To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of coastal taipan envenomation of a dog.