AN INVESTIGATION, INVITRO, OF THE ACTIONS OF 3 WESTERN-AUSTRALIAN SNAKES ON THE BLOOD-COAGULATION OF THE DOG, CAT, HORSE AND WALLABY

Venoms of the tiger snake and brown snake were procoagulant, in vitro, when tested with cat, dog, horse and wallaby plasma. In the presence of calcium and phospholipid the coagulant activity of tiger snake venom was minimal. In contrast, brown snake venom alone had marked procoagulant activity. This activity, however, was enhanced by the presence of calcium and phospholipid. Death adder venom exerted an anticoagulant effect. Apparent species'' differences in susceptibility to the coagulant venoms were noted. However, the probable explanation of these differences was attributed to variation in the control values of the special studies rather than to a difference in the postulated actions of the venoms on prothrombin. A possible role for clotting studies in suspected snake bite in veterinary practice is suggested.