Maya makes a full recovery

Featured Patient:
Meet "Maya" Belan

Maya, a two-year old Dalmation, was rushed to our hospital all the way from Clewiston. She had been playing in the bushes and was bitten by an Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, one of the deadliest snakes in the country. Almost immediately, Maya's muzzle began to swell and her breathing became labored. By the time she arrived at our facility her condition was critical. The snake venom had affected nearly every organ system in Maya's body, causing extensive damage. She had received such a large dose of venom that her blood lost its ability to clot and her heart was beating irregularly.

Supportive treatment for Maya was instituted immediately, and we contacted Miami-Dade Fire rescue for antivenin. As soon as it arrived Maya received two doses. At the same time, she was receiving plasma infusions to help her blood clotting return to normal. After 4 days in the hospital, Maya was able to go home (picture Maya 2). We saw Maya one week later and she had made a complete recovery.

We would like to extend special thanks to the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Antivenin Team for helping to save Maya. This case received quite a bit of local media attention, and AECCS Director Dr. Brian Roberts was seen daily on local television stations keeping viewers apprised of Maya's progress and ultimate happy ending!

Dr. Brian K. Roberts, DVM, DACVECC, Director of AECCS

11/02 "Summer" Van Osdale