Main description:

"Venomous" Bites from "Non-Venomous" Snakes, Second Edition thoroughly examines the potential hazards associated with bites by non-front-fanged snakes (popularly, but inaccurately, called "rear-fanged snakes"). This diverse group contains approximately 80% of living snake species (approximately 2,900 species). A large proportion of these snakes were previously assigned to the family Colubridae but, as a consequence of expanding systematics investigations, have been split into multiple families and subfamilies. Many of these snakes produce venoms or oral secretions that contain toxins and other biologically active substances. A large variety of non-front-fanged snakes figure in the pet industry, yet little documented information or formal study of their potential medical importance has been published. Therefore, although the possible medical importance of many of these species has been subjected to speculation since the mid-19th century, there is a limited amount of useful descriptive information regarding the real hazard (or lack thereof) of this wide variety of snakes.

The first edition of this book provided "one-stop shopping" by offering information regarding their possible toxicity and clinical relevance as well as recommendations for medical management of their bites. The second edition expands and updates the content with detailed information about the effects and medical management of bites by a broad representation of non-front-fanged species. The hypothetical venomous nature of some lizards considered as non-venomous such as the Komodo monitor or dragon and their allies, as well as the medical effects of their bites, is also examined. The dynamic taxonomy of advanced snakes is updated, and the bases for some of these fluid changes are discussed. Likewise, terminology is also updated in order to reflect the ongoing debates regarding the definition of "venom" and the balanced reinforcement of nonmedical criteria used to define the biological basis of the term "venomous."

Contents:

1. A summary of taxing taxonomic considerations: non-front-fanged snakes and the shifting sands of systematics 2. Differences between buccal gland secretion and associated venom delivery systems of front-fanged snakes and non-front-fanged snakes: Low- versus high-pressure gland function and canaliculated versus solid dentition 3. A brief overview of the history of non-front-fanged snake venom research 4. Medically significant bites by non-front-fanged snakes (NFFCs) 5. Summary and conclusions

Appendix A. Representative unverified cases of medically significant non-front-fanged snake bites posted on the internet B. Representative lethal potency ranges and yields of venoms and other oral products from selected non-front-fanged colubroid snakes C. Strategies for management of gram-negative septicemia: are there lessons to be learned for managing venom-induced coagulopathies? D. Legal considerations regarding private ownership of venomous snakes (including hazard level 1 non-front fanged snakes): an opinionated essay E. List of examined osteological specimens