Successful management of severe coagulopathy in a dog following Cerastes gasperettii (Arabian horned Viper) envenomation: First clinical case description in Israel.

Abstract

This report describes the first documented clinical case of a confirmed, naturally occurring Cerastes gasperettii (C. gasperettii; Arabian horned viper) envenomation, providing valuable insight into the limited literature on this important species. The case describes a five-year-old pointer dog from the Arave Valley, Israel. Clinical signs included progressive soft tissue swelling and lethargy. Laboratory findings revealed severe coagulopathy, mild renal impairment, and evidence of microangiopathic hemolysis. Despite the unavailability of species-specific antivenom, treatment management with canine fresh frozen plasma, crystalloid therapy, and supportive care, resulted in full recovery within 36 hours. This case contributes significantly to understanding the clinical manifestations, therapeutic strategies, and potential pathophysiological mechanisms of C. gasperettii envenomation.