A 15-month-old child from Sarnia, Ontario, is recuperating at home after a rattlesnake bit him at a family cottage over the Thanksgiving weekend, necessitating treatment at two hospitals and 18 doses of antivenom.
The incident occurred when Wells Gladwish was bitten on the thumb around 12:45 p.m. on Sunday while spending time with family at their cottage in Cape Chin North, located on the Bruce Peninsula.
The toddler encountered the snake near a family bonfire and attempted to pick it up, resulting in the snake biting him on the thumb. Within approximately five minutes, his thumb started turning white, indicating a severe situation.
Recognizing the urgency, Wells’ father, Matt Huggett, rushed him to the nearest hospital in Lion’s Head. The medical team at Lion’s Head Hospital faced challenges in starting an IV on the active toddler but managed to administer 10 vials of antivenom after confirming the snake bite as that of an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the only venomous snake species in Ontario.
Subsequent to the initial treatment, doctors and toxicology specialists coordinated Wells’ transfer to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), Victoria Hospital. The planned Ornge air ambulance transfer faced delays, prompting a decision to transport Wells via land ambulance after receiving additional antivenom doses at Lion’s Head.
Upon arriving at LHSC’s Pediatric Critical Care Unit after a three-hour journey, Dr. Rishi Ganesan, a pediatric critical care physician, prioritized securing antivenom for Wells, as London did not stock it routinely. The medical team sourced additional antivenom from the Toronto region under police escort to ensure Wells received necessary treatment.
In London, Wells received two more double doses of antivenom, totaling 18 doses. Dr. Ganesan, drawing on his training in India, emphasized the importance of timely antivenom administration and monitoring for potential complications.
Monitoring Wells’ progress, doctors assessed the need for additional antivenom based on swelling and blood tests, as snake venom can cause tissue damage and disrupt blood clotting.
Acknowledging the collaborative effort of medical staff and specialists, Huggett expressed gratitude for the comprehensive care Wells received. Ganesan commended the teamwork among hospitals, pharmacists, and specialists in ensuring Wells’ well-being.
Wells was discharged after being monitored in the children’s inpatient unit and has returned home to Sarnia. While his recovery progresses positively, the family remains vigilant for any delayed reactions to antivenom.
In case of a rattlesnake bite, Dr. Ganesan advises treating it as a medical emergency by calling 911 immediately, as prompt care is crucial for a successful recovery. He also highlights preventive measures such as being cautious in snake habitats and avoiding provoking or disturbing snakes to minimize the risk of bites.