What makes a snake different from so many other kinds of
animals is its ability to produce venom to be able to subdue its
potential prey or enemies. While not all snakes have this
capability, there are enough species of these predators out
there that can do real damage to you, your family, and your
pets.
If they are bitten by one of these snakes that is able to
produce venom then it can lead to sickness and eventually even
to death if not treated right away. This is why if you live in
an area where venomous snakes are known to exist it is important
to make sure that you are aware of what a rattlesnake,
copperhead, water moccasin, or other venomous snake looks like.
If you are bitten by one of these reptiles then you should be
aware that there are four different kinds of toxins that the
snake can inject into you. They are as follows.
Neurotoxins
These kinds of toxins affect the nervous system of the organism
that they have bitten. This will lead to paralysis, which will
eventually lead to death in the organism. The way that this
works is quite simple.
When the snake bites its victim, it injects the venom into the
body. That is then passed into the blood stream where it starts
to diffuse across the body. When it reaches nerves it stops them
from being able to conduct normal processes, and in a very short
time organs and systems will begin to shut down. This can mean
that the lungs will not work so that person cannot breathe in
and out, plus muscles throughout the body can be locked in a
contraction. This will make it so that the person is unable to
breathe and death will occur shortly after that.
If you are bitten by a snake that has released a neurotoxin into
you then you need to get treated right away. Waiting can be
terminal.
Cardiotoxins
This kind of venom is intended to shut down the heart, and will
actually stop the heart from being able to beat. Death is almost
certain when this kind of poison is injected into the prey. The
heart is essential in all organisms if that organism is going to
survive, and if the heart has been damaged so that it will not
function, then it will not be long until the victim passes on.
If you are bitten by a snake that emits a cardiotoxin, then
getting treatment right away is essential. You also want to stay
as calm as possible so that the toxin will take longer to reach
the heart and other important organs.
Cytotoxins
This kind of toxins looks to damage cells in the body. When it
has reached a sufficient enough level in an organ or other part
of the body, it will begin to break down cells, which can lead
to a killing of the organ. This can mean that the stomach,
intestinal lining, or other area of the body where the toxin has
reached can cause severe damage.
While the effects of this are not nearly as dangerous, making
sure that you receive treatment is paramount. Do not dawdle.
Hemotoxins
These kinds of toxins affect blood vessels and blood cells. This
can make the blood vessels so that they will constrict to a
point where blood will not be able to pass through the tightened
blood vessels. The cells can become damaged which will cause
them to be ineffective in carrying oxygen and other nutrients,
which can lead to illness and even death.
You also want to make sure you take care of this right away if
you are bitten.
For more information about Understanding Snake Venom and How It
Works, go to my Snake
Removal - How to Get Rid of Snakes home page.
More articles about snakes:
Is it legal for me to catch a
venomous snake?
What is a snake’s mating habits, when do
they have babies or lay eggs?
How do snakes kill their prey?
Do snakes always inject venom when they
bite?
Venomous snake vs poisonous
snake
Do snakes run out of venom?
How do
snakes produce venom?
What is the Deadliest Snake in the
United States