Duvernoy's gland (thought this was a good read)

[hjelte]

Exactly. The only time I've ever had a reaction (rash-like redness, itchy burning sensation) is when my hand was mistake for food and the snake refused to let go. I think it's the struggling and the snake's determination to swallow that which is struggling to get free, that the Duvernoy's gland secretions come into play. Simply washing the bite area thoroughly and using an antiseptic on the wound was enough to stop the symptoms. One should do that anyway if the skin is broken.

I second this, I had a T.S Parietalis for a while, tried to bathe him and he wasn´t to impressed. When I was going to pick him up from the tub he bit my hand and latched on to the point where I more or less had to plie him off. This caused some itching and red rashes to appear on my hand, and also bleeding that seemed to go on longer than would be normal. Nothing serious all in all, but an interesting experience indeed

[EasternGirl]

An interesting topic. Steve recently sent me a book on medical uses of venom...awesome book. In the book the author does discuss the Duvernoy's gland and the fact that snakes with this gland can actually be classified as venomous, although they do little actual damage. The book cites a couple of cases in which people bit more than once...over an extended period of time...began to show symtoms, including systemic symptoms of envenomation. The author states that it is actually envenomation that occurs and not an allergic reaction (we actually had a discussion on here about this before). He states that the venom produces from the gland actually helps in subduing prey upon ingestion. I know that I am allergic to just about everything. Even carefresh makes me get red and itchy. But, I have been bit by my snakes many times recently...enough to draw blood...and I have never had any kind of reaction to date.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

That's the thing i've noticed with mine after being bitten many times that i never have a reaction, but this one time when she thought my finger was food and she chewed for at least a minute and worked her rear teeth in good and that's when i had a reaction and i have very few allergies so im thinking that it was envenomation. I cleaned the area very well with alcohol and put neosporin on it, but it starting swelling almost immediately.

an interesting topic. Steve recently sent me a book on medical uses of venom...awesome book. In the book the author does discuss the duvernoy's gland and the fact that snakes with this gland can actually be classified as venomous, although they do little actual damage. The book cites a couple of cases in which people bit more than once...over an extended period of time...began to show symtoms, including systemic symptoms of envenomation. The author states that it is actually envenomation that occurs and not an allergic reaction (we actually had a discussion on here about this before). I know that i am allergic to just about everything. Even carefresh makes me get red and itchy. But, i have been bit by my snakes many times recently...enough to draw blood...and i have never had any kind of reaction to date.

[EasternGirl]

Yep...I have heard of that. Actually, now that I think about it...the one time that Cee Cee got a really good strike in and bit me hard on the thumb, I do remember my thumb and hand itching a bit afterward...but nothing too bad. I chalked it up to mild envenomation as well. I have never had one of my snakes chew on me though...just quick strikes.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

Attachment 7474Attachment 7475 SHAWN'S PICS 2 169.jpg

I didn't think to take pictures or do a thread about it until i talked to steve on the phone and he suggested i take some pics of the area, but this was like 4 days after the bite. I did get some pics, but at this point it was almost healed so it's hard to tell by the pics.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

Two attachments didn't show up so here they are.

SHAWN'S PICS 2 159.jpgSHAWN'S PICS 2 157.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

In that second photo, is that bruising on the palm ring finger area?

[BLUESIRTALIS]

Yes! You should have seen it the day after the bite. I wish i would have got pics right after the bite.

in that second photo, is that bruising on the palm ring finger area?

[guidofatherof5]

The is a significant reaction. Any bites since? If so, how was the reaction this time. If so, where were the new bites.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

What's funny is i fed her 2 large pinkies and reached in to get her water dish so i could clean it and giver her fresh water and bam she goes for a third pinky. (She knew what she was doing.)