Lizard bites: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
*Only two venomous lizard species in the world | *Only two venomous lizard species in the world | ||
*Venom secreted from glands in mucosa of lower jaw | |||
*~70% of bites involve envenomation | |||
*Dislodged teeth are common | |||
*Tenacious biters that frequently involve forceful removal | |||
===Gila Monster=== | ===Gila Monster=== | ||
*Species: ''Heloderma suspectum'' | *Species: ''Heloderma suspectum'' | ||
*Geographic Distribution: Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico | *Geographic Distribution: Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico | ||
===Mexican Bearded Lizard=== | ===Mexican Bearded Lizard=== | ||
Revision as of 05:22, 11 March 2021
Background
- Only two venomous lizard species in the world
- Venom secreted from glands in mucosa of lower jaw
- ~70% of bites involve envenomation
- Dislodged teeth are common
- Tenacious biters that frequently involve forceful removal
Gila Monster
- Species: Heloderma suspectum
- Geographic Distribution: Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Mexican Bearded Lizard
- Species: Heloderma horridum
- Geographic Distribution: Central and Southern Mexico
Clinical Features
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Workup
Diagnosis
Management
- Removal of lizard
- Lizards have very tenacious bites and need active detachment
- Place under running hot water or use tongs or a stick
- Resuscitate as needed
- Labs
- CBC
- CMP
- PT/INR
- Consider EKG
- X-ray of site to rule out retained tooth fragment
- Explore, clean and irrigate wound
- Tetanus prophylaxis
- Daily dressing changes with topical antiseptic
- Antibiotics not routinely needed
Disposition
- If normal vitals and labs, can be discharged home after ED observation
- Observation is recommended if patient has any vital sign or lab abnormalities suggestive of envenomation