From the limited information available I deduce that this must have been an 'accident on top of an accident'. The first accident of course was the bite itself. The rapid progression of life-threatening symptoms however indicate to me that either a large vessel must have been hit, or that an anaphylactic reaction (immune system over-reaction) must have ensued (or both). Here at our clinic we have witnessed a patient developing anaphylaxy following drug treatment - just horrible. In severe cases one can watch such unlucky people going downhill within minutes without anyone being able to help. Very sad indeed.

I have published some more information on my website today, Klaus.

Unfortunately only in german language - I will translate it for our english speaking VenomLand-members in a few days.

http://www.reptilienzoonockalm.at/Unfall%20Dirk.htm

regards
Peter

Thanks for the detailed info, Peter. Looks indeed a lot as if a massive direct intravenous venom injection has taken place. Sorry, man.

I've been keeping and breeding Crotalus d. terrificus (former subspecies 'collilineatus' from the central Brazilian state of Goias, to be precise) for many years. My animals are not aggressive at all. There is however one characteristic about them that I find most remarkable: They can cover a shocking striking distance that is much greater than that of most other crotalids of comparable size I had contact with. My most important advice to terrificus-herpetoculturists therefore is: keep distance!

Klaus

Thank you Peter for some more details, I think we can all learn from it... Hope to get the English version soon because German isn't my favourite and best language...

Important article Peter - there was written so much about this in the newspapers. Most of it was not very useful, incorrect or simply invented.

Very sorry for you and your friend's family Peter, it's a very sad story.....
Hope i can learn more about your article in english......I understand nothing in german....

Hi Peter,

It must be a terrible experience.
My condolence goes to you and the family of your friend.

Though Google Translate is not perfect, it'll translate Peters article well enough, to understand what happend
German->English translation w. Google