The effect of a single dose of prednisolone in dogs envenomated by Vipera berus – a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

• DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0352-6
• Publication Date: 2015-02-25T07:06:42Z
• Authors: Erika Brandeker; Anna Hillström; Sofia Hanås; Ragnvi Hagman; Bodil Ström Holst
• Keywords: Prednisolone

Treatment with glucocorticoids after snakebite in dogs is controversial and randomized clinical studies are missing. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect a single dose prednisolone envenomated by Vipera berus double-blind placebo-controlled study, exclusion treated antivenom. two treatment groups were compared regarding status clinicopathological test results. A total 75 bitten within previous 24 hours included. Clinical assessment, blood sampling measurement body part done at admission (Day 1), 2) re-examination (Re-exam) 10-28 days. Dogs given 1 mg/kg bodyweight (PRED) or saline (PLACEBO) subcutaneously randomized, trial. examined clinically mental extent edema described. Furthermore, appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia death recorded. Concentrations C-reactive protein (CRP) high sensitivity Troponin I (cTnI), hematology variables Prothrombin time (PT) determined. Systemic inflammation defined as present if CRP > 35 mg/l.None died during period. reduced 60/75 (80%) on Day 1, 19/75 (25%) 2. proportion no only mild increased significantly from About one-third developed gastrointestinal signs Cardiac uncommon. Clinicopathological changes included leucocyte count, troponin concentration cTnI systemic inflammation, without inflammation. did not affect any parameters studied, except for higher monocyte count 2 that had received treatment.The results do support routine administration berus.