Retrospective comparison of three antivenoms for the treatment of dogs with crotalid envenomation

OBJECTIVE To retrospectively compare clinical outcomes associated with 3 commercially available antivenom products (2 F[ab']2 and 1 IgG product) in dogs crotalid envenomation. ANIMALS 282 evidence of envenomation treated at a single high-volume private emergency facility southwestern Arizona from 2014 to 2018. PROCEDURES Data were collected on all regarding signalment, coagulation test results, snakebite characteristics, type number units received (1 products), survival hospital discharge (yes or no), complications following discharge. Survival rates other variables compared among antivenoms by means bivariable analyses. RESULTS 271 (96.1%) survived discharge; 11 (3.9%) euthanized died the hospital. No significant difference was found products. Infusion reaction higher for product than each F(ab')2 product. A percentage (vs either only unit antivenom. Variables lower probability included older age body weight, thoracic other) location snakebites, presence an infusion reaction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Given that high products, clinicians may consider factors when selecting antivenom, such as preference fractionated versus whole immunoglobulin product, risk reaction, cost, shelf life, availability, ease use administration, species crotalids used production, approval federal regulatory bodies, preference.