Tiger Snake Envenomation

(Tiger snake, Copperhead, Rough-Scaled and Broad-Headed snakes and some Black snakes)

Responsible for the second most common cause of snakebite deaths after the Brown snake, the Tiger snakes have a more defined distribution along wetter coastal areas of eastern Australia. Tiger snakes vary in colour and most are characteristically banded. They are a medium size snake (rarely larger than 2 metres long) with medium sized fangs and produce moderate amounts of a very potent venom. Most Tiger snake bites will result in envenomation and due to the potent venom, antivenom treatment is usually required.

Tiger snake venom

The multicomponent Tiger snake venom is very potent and includes powerful neurotoxins, myolysins and a procoagulant toxin. Tiger snake envenomation carries a 50% death rate without antivenom treatment.

Symptoms of envenomation

Tiger snake bites are typically painful and generate localised redness, bruising and swelling

Early signs of envenomation include tenderness in the draining lymph node region (arm pit or groin), nausea and abdominal pain. Despite the presence of a neurotoxin, paralysis is rare.

The hallmark of Tiger snake envenomation is paralysis, which may become evident usually at least one hour after envenomation. Initially weakness of eye muscles, demonstrated by drooping eyelids and double vision, may occur. Progressive paralysis of muscles required for breathing and swallowing may lead to death without medical care.

Severe muscle damage is not uncommon and victims may complain of weakness and pain in particularly worse with movement.

Blood clotting abnormalities commonly present with oozing of blood from the bite site as well as bleeding from the nose and gums.

One component of the neurotoxin is not reversed by antivenom and supportive treatment will be required for prolonged periods until the effect wears off.