by Blet » Sun May 13, 2012 5:10 pm
I suspect you'll see little or no effect from a bite in anyone/anything larger than a rat. These guys are so alert and flighty that I suspect only snake handlers ever get in contact, let alone bitten. Any potentially venomous snake is best avoided and large back-fanged species even more so due to the low-volume-to-efficacy nature of the venom produced and also because so little is known about the venom composition.
Speaking as a vet, symptomatic treatment only, ie manage pain, swelling, inflammation, necrosis and infection at the bite site, should any arise. This goes for all snakebites or suspected bites where extremely well define neurological, haemorrhagic or cytotoxic symptoms are absent. Here in the Western Cape only Cape Cobra and Puffie bites are of concern...Boomslang avoid altercations wit pets and humans. Both require aggressive treatment...polyvalent antivenom and ventilation in just about all cobra bites and antivenom some puffie bites. Puffies require huge volumes of i/v fluid therapy and on occasion blood or plasma transfusions.
I understand your concern, but suspect the risks are extremely low. Rather enjoy these stunning snakes from they distance they'll allow!