# Vipera aspis Envenomation in a Dog from Central Italy: Clinical Observations and Therapeutic Considerations

## TL;DR

A dog bitten by a Vipera aspis viper in Italy recovered with supportive care but without antivenom, offering insights into managing such cases.

## Contribution

This case report adds clinical data on Vipera aspis envenomation management in dogs and emphasizes the need for further research.

## Key findings

- The dog showed mild fever, swelling, and pain but recovered without antivenom.
- Supportive therapy effectively managed inflammation and secondary infection.
- The case highlights the lack of definitive treatment conclusions due to its singular nature.

## Abstract

This report describes the clinical course of a dog bitten by a viper in Umbria, a region of central Italy where Vipera aspis is commonly found. Viper envenomation can represent a serious clinical condition in dogs and typically requires prompt veterinary evaluation. The dog presented with mild fever, local swelling, pain at the bite site, and systemic clinical signs. Antivenom was not administered, and the dog was managed with supportive and medical therapy aimed at controlling inflammation, preventing secondary infection, and monitoring systemic involvement. The clinical evolution was favorable, and the dog recovered without any complication. As this report describes a single clinical case, no conclusions regarding treatment efficacy can be drawn. However, this case contributes additional clinical information on the management and outcome of Vipera aspis envenomation in dogs and highlights the need for further studies to better characterize optimal treatment strategies.

Vipera aspis envenomation represents a potentially life-threatening condition in dogs, particularly in rural or semi-rural areas of Central Italy, where this species is endemic. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, therapeutic management, and outcome of a dog bitten by Vipera aspis in the Umbria region. At admission, the dog exhibited mild fever, localized swelling, pain at the bite site, and mild systemic clinical signs. Antivenom was not administered, and the dog was managed with supportive and medical therapy aimed at controlling inflammation, preventing secondary infection, and monitoring systemic involvement. The clinical course was favorable, and the dog recovered without complications. As this report describes a single clinical case, no conclusions regarding treatment efficacy can be drawn. However, this case provides additional clinical information on the management and outcome of Vipera aspis envenomation in dogs.