Dry bite
A venomous animal bite without venom injection.
A dry bite is a bite from a venomous animal, such as a snake, in which no venom is released. It can still cause pain, bleeding, inflammation, swelling, and erythema, and may lead to infection including tetanus. Dry bites are notable because they account for about 50% of snakebite cases, though prevalence varies greatly by species.
Quick Facts
- Term first used
- early 1980s
Facts from the source article.
Reasons for a dry bite
A dry bite may be deliberate, accidental, or result from properties of the animal or target. Seven snake-related causes include gland infection, trauma after defence, trauma after venom extraction, duct calcification or obstruction, venom metering, empty gland, and misjudgement of distance leading to partial penetration or premature venom ejection. Neonate and juvenile snakes often empty their glands when biting, while older snakes may have calcified ducts. The victim can also influence dryness by pulling away or wearing thick clothing.
Treatment
Distinguishing a dry bite from a venomous one is not always straightforward. The wound should be cleaned, tetanus prophylaxis given, and the victim monitored for up to 12 hours in case antivenom or ancillary treatments become necessary. Antivenom should not be administered for a confirmed dry bite due to its unneeded side effects.
By animal variety
A 2020 consolidation of 33 studies found dry bite prevalence among snakes ranging from 4% to 50%, with great variation by species and differing diagnostic criteria. Measurement is complicated by unreported wet bites, minor symptoms, and misidentification of snake species. Dry bites from spiders such as tarantulas and large Sparassidae are common and, if correctly identified, may be ignored or treated with mild antiseptics, though some reports indicate marked neurotoxic effects from certain species.
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