In Dogs Bitten by the European Adder (Vipera Berus), Do Corticosteroids and Supportive Treatment Improve Clinical Outcome Compared to Supportive Treatment Alone?

Abstract

<p><strong>PICO question</strong></p><p>In dogs bitten by the European adder (<em>Vipera berus</em>), do corticosteroids and supportive treatment improve clinical outcome compared to supportive treatment alone?</p><p><strong>Clinical bottom line</strong></p><ul><li>There is currently insufficient strength of evidence to either support or reject the use of glucocorticoids in dogs bitten by the European adder (<em>Vipera berus</em>) and further controlled trials are needed to fully answer this question.</li><li>Glucocorticoids may be indicated in cases of adverse reaction to antivenom treatment although there is not enough evidence to conclude whether there is a benefit to prophylactic administration prior to antivenom treatment.</li></ul><br /> <img src="https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/rcvskmod/icons/oa-icon.jpg" alt="Open Access" /> <img src="https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/rcvskmod/icons/pr-icon.jpg" alt="Peer Reviewed" />