Lizard bites: Difference between revisions

Line 1: Line 1:
==Background==
==Background==
*Only two venomous lizard species in the world
===Gila Monster===
===Gila Monster===
*Species name
*Species: ''Heloderma suspectum''
*Geographic Distribution
*Geographic Distribution: Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
 


===Mexican Bearded Lizard===  
===Mexican Bearded Lizard===  
*Species name
*Species: ''Heloderma horridum''
*Geographic Distribution
*Geographic Distribution: Central and Southern Mexico


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==

Revision as of 00:58, 11 March 2021

Background

  • Only two venomous lizard species in the world

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

See Also

External Links

References