Varespladib Administration in Dogs with Progressing Neurological Signs from Eastern Coral Snake Envenomation

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting Dogs that have been envenomated by eastern coral snakes (Micrurus fulvius) that are clinical for the envenomation.

Enrollment Criteria: Currently Enrolling

• Inclusion Criteria: Dogs with moderate to severe clinical signs secondary to eastern coral snake envenomation. 
• Exclusion Criteria: Cases that have been exposed or are only mildly affected, or if the owner declines antivenom therapy.  
• Treatment: In this study, the patients will receive 1 vial of coral snake antivenom followed by an infusion and oral administration of varespladib. Typical supportive care treatment will still be performed.
• Cost: The study covers the cost of varespladib, one vial of coral snake antivenom, a CBC, Chem, urinalysis, venous blood gas, IV Catheter, and up to level three hospitalization for 24 hours. Any other medications, treatments, or hospitalization costs are at the expense of the owner.
• Contact: cory.woliver@ufl.edu or mention to your Emergency Care doctor.
• PI: Cory Woliver, DVM UF ECC Faculty; Michael Schaer DVM, DACVIM DACVECC UF ECC Faculty; Ashley Allen, DVM DACVECC UF ECC Faculty; Carl Southern, DVM UF ECC Faculty; Victoria Kastenholz DVM UF ECC

Background: We are starting an investigator led study at the University of Florida for dogs that have been envenomated by Eastern Coral Snakes (Micrurus fulvius). We will be using the drug varespladib to treat them for these bites. Varespladib is a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor. PLA2 is the main component of coral snake venom. Varespladib has been used in many different studies to successfully treat coral snake and other snake bite envenomations.