Antivenom, the only specific antidote for snake bites is underused in the United Kingdom, a British researcher says. Life-threatening snake bites are uncommon in Britain, but can happen, especially in children, and should not be underestimated, says David Warrell. In addition to the bites from the adder, Britain’s only indigenous venomous snake, doctors should also be aware that large numbers of dangerous snakes are kept surreptitiously as pets, Warrell writes in the British Medical Journal. This “underground zoo” results in several bitten owners being are forced to seek medical help. Envenoming can evolve over many hours, and patients should be carefully observed in the hospital for at least 24 hours after being bitten, Warrell said. © Copyright 2005 by United Press International

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