Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)

Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)

Belongs to the family viperidae.Is responsible for the largest proportionate of deaths of Sri Lanka due to the snake bites. Has large head with relatively small neck. Have brownish gray, ovate spots along the vertebral region and white ‘V’ shaped mark on the head. Widespread in the dry zone, and the mid hills and plains up to 1500m of elevation. Has evolutionary more developed fang structure than elapids which improves the efficiency of the strike and injection of venom. The efficiency of the injection of venom is about (98%)The venom is both hematotoxic (80%) and nephrotoxic (18%). It is also has the properties of neurotoxin(78%). Hematosis, and clotting disorders occurs causing bleeding. Affects the neuromuscular transmission and cause muscle paralysis. If left untreated for long time, renal failure mayevelop. Hyperkaleamia (6.5%)