PATHOMORPHOLOGY OF PRESUMPTIVE POISONOUS SNAKE ENVENOMATION IN TWO FEMALE ADULT GERMAN SHEPHERDS IN ZARIA, NIGERIA - CASE REPORT

Abstract

Snakebite is an important medical and veterinary problem but often overlooked in Nigeria with many health institutions yet to become aware of the magnitude of this problem. Despite its clinical significance, there is little published information on the pathomorphology of snake envenomation in Zaria, Nigeria. We report the gross and microscopic lesions associated with presumptive snakebite envenomation in two German shepherds. The prominent gross lesions in both cases included punctured site, multicavitary serosanguineous effusions, and localized oedema in the regions of the presumed bite wounds. Histopathology revealed coagulative hepatocellular necrosis and acute renal tubular necrosis in both cases. The case was diagnosed as snake bite based on the history, gross and microscopic changes. This report provides valuable veterinary pathological diagnostic information on snake bite.