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Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper)

Prescription
Antivenom / Antivenin
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab fragments (CroFab) or equine F(ab')2 fragments (Anavip) that bind and neutralize venom toxins (metalloproteinases, phospholipases, myotoxins) from pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths), preventing tissue destruction and coagulopathy.

At a glance

Class
Antivenom / Antivenin
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted use within 4h; do not freeze

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for pit viper envenomation (rattlesnake bites)
Dose
Route
IV infusion
Frequency
Repeat as needed q1–2h
🐈

Cat

Cat snakebites are less common
Dose
Route
IV
Frequency
As needed

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
Strength

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted use within 4h; do not freeze

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Coagulation panel q4–6h (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, platelets, D-dimer)Swelling progression (mark margins with pen q1h)Pain assessmentVital signs during infusionMonitor for anaphylaxis first 15 min

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

United States

CroFab
BTG International
Anavip
Rare Disease Therapeutics

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper)?
Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is a antivenom / antivenin used in pets. Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab fragments (CroFab) or equine F(ab')2 fragments (Anavip) that bind and neutralize venom toxins (metalloproteinases, phospholipases, myotoxins) from pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths), preventing tissue destruction and coagulopathy.
What is Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) used for in pets?
Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for pit viper envenomation (rattlesnake bites); Cat snakebites are less common.
What is the Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is typically dosed as follows — Used for pit viper envenomation (rattlesnake bites): undefined undefined IV infusion Repeat as needed q1–2h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) dose for cats?
For cats, Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is typically dosed as follows — Cat snakebites are less common: undefined undefined IV As needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) need a prescription?
Yes. Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →