Rough Scaled or Clarence River Snake
- Rough scaled or Clarence River snake (Tropidechis carinatus)
This information should be read in conjunction with the detailed background information on Australian snakebite.
| Antivenom | Tiger Snake: starting dose 1-3 ampoules, 4 if major envenomation |
| Bite Site | ? 70% effective, mild local pain, swelling and bruising |
| Principle venom effect | Predominantly paralysis, minor myolysis, no significant coagulopathy |
Restricted to wetter areas of coastal mid to NE Australia (NSW & Queensland), common within their habitat. Aggressive snake with strongly keeled (ridged) body scales, olive to dark brown with dark bands. Similar venom effects to tiger snake, dangerous and potentially lethal.
NOTE: Gives positive result in the tiger snake tube of the Venom Detection Kit.
Preferred antivenom is CSL Tiger Snake Antivenom.
REFERENCES
Morrison JJ, Tesseraux I, Pearn JH, Harris J, Masci PP. Venom of the Australian rough-scaled snake, Tropidechis carinatus: lethal potency and electrophysiological actions. Toxicon 1984;22(5):759-65.
Shea GM. The distribution and identification of dangerously venomous Australian terrestrial snakes. Aust.Vet.J. 1999;77(12):791-8.
Sutherland SK, Tibballs J. Treatment of snake bite in Australia. In: Sutherland SK, Tibballs J, editors. Australian Animal Toxins. 2nd ed. Melbourne: Oxford University Press; 2001. p. 286-342.
White J. Clinical Toxicology of Snakebite in Australia and New Guinea. In: Meier J, White J, editors. Handbook of Clinical Toxicology of Animal Venoms and Poisons. 1st ed. New York: CRC Press; 1995. p. 595-618.