Spider bites in France: Epidaemiology of cases occurring in 10 years in metropolitan France.

Spiders are often wrongly designated as responsible for cutaneous eruptions. We aim to describe spider bites and the spider species implicated in metropolitan France. A retrospective observational study was conducted for all reported cases of spider bites from 2007 to 2018 extracted from the French Poison Control Centers (PCCs) information system, after exclusion of non-native spiders. We described identification of the spider, level of certainty of the bite, symptoms and severity of cases. 1194 cases of spider bites met the inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 36.9 ± 19.8 years. Identification of the species or at least that a spider was implicated was only possible in 346 cases (29.0%). Loxosceles were involved in 53 cases (4.4%), Latrodectus in 46 cases (3.9%) and Cheiracanthium in 35 cases (2.9%). In one third of cases, the involved spider was not known to be present where the bite occurred. Where most of the patients (n = 1111, 93%) reported at least one cutaneous symptom, most of the symptoms were neurological. The bite was considered proven in only 242 cases (20%). Despite the efforts of arachnologists to educate the public, the fear of spiders is still alive in France, where spider bite is rare with low severity and often unproven.

A peculiar case of soft tissue sarcoma in a cat.

A 13-year-old cat was presented to a clinic in Texas with an open draining lesion and severe swelling of the left foreleg. Initial diagnosis was a brown recluse spider bite and treatment was undertaken accordingly. A few weeks later, the cat was returned to the clinic with further swelling of the left foreleg. A diagnosis of a high-grade soft tissue sarcoma with an increased risk of metastasis was made based on a histopathology report. The cat was euthanized following the diagnosis as the cat had a fair to poor prognosis.

Un cas particulier de sarcome des tissus mous chez un chat. Un chat âgé de 13 ans fut présenté dans une clinique du Texas avec une plaie ouverte drainante et oedème sévère de la patte arrière gauche. Le diagnostic initial était la morsure d'une araignée marron recluse et un traitement en conséquence débuté. Quelques semaines plus tard le chat revint à la clinique avec plus d'enflure de la patte arrière gauche. Un diagnostic de sarcome des tissus mous de grade élevé avec risques augmentés de métastases fut posé sur la base du rapport d'histopathologie. Le chat fut euthanasié à la suite du diagnostic étant donné le pronostic passable à pauvre.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) envenomation in small animals.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive review of relevant literature regarding the brown recluse spider (BRS) and to define those criteria that must be satisfied before making a diagnosis of brown recluse envenomation. ETIOLOGY: The complex venom of the BRS contains sphingomyelinase D, which is capable of producing all the clinical signs in the human and some animal models. DIAGNOSIS: There is no current commercially available test. In humans there are many proposed guidelines to achieve a definitive diagnosis; however, there are no established guidelines for veterinary patients. THERAPY: Currently, no consensus exists for treatment of BRS envenomation other than supportive care, which includes rest, thorough cleaning of the site, ice, compression, and elevation. PROGNOSIS: Prognosis varies based on severity of clinical signs and response to supportive care.

Black widow spider envenomation.

Black widow spiders are found throughout the continental United States and north into the southern Canadian provinces. Male black widow spiders are of little medical importance. Female black widow spiders can be 20 times larger than males. The female can be identified by the hourglass pattern, red or orange in color, on the ventral aspect of her shiny, globose black abdomen. Black widow spiders control the amount of venom they inject; an estimated 15% of bites to humans are non-envenomating. Cats are very sensitive to the venom and deaths are common. Dogs have severe clinical signs but are considered more resistant than cats. A single bite is capable of delivering a lethal dose of venom to companion animals. There are several toxic components consisting of five or six biologically active proteins. These include a potent mammalian neurotoxin called alpha-latrotoxin, which induces neurotransmitter release from nerve terminals. Acetylcholine, noradrenalin, dopamine, glutamate, and enkephalin systems are all susceptible to the toxin. Onset of clinical signs usually occurs during the first 8 hours post envenomation. The condition is extremely painful in moderate to severe envenomations. Abdominal rigidity without tenderness is a hallmark sign of Latrodectus envenomation. In cats, paralytic signs may occur early and are particularly marked. Hypertension is a significant threat. First aid is of no value in the treatment. The primary treatment for black widow spider envenomation is the administration of specific antivenin, which provides the most permanent and quickest relief of the envenomation syndrome, usually within 30 minutes of infusion. The prognosis of Latrodectus envenomation is uncertain of several days, and complete recovery may take weeks.

Brown spider envenomation.

The venom from spiders of the genus Loxosceles, the most famous being Loxosceles recluse (the most brown recluse spider) can cause serious poisoning. These spiders inhabit the south and south central states from Georgia through Texas and north to southern Wisconsin. They are commonly called violin spiders because of the violin-shaped marking on the dorsum of the cephalothorax. Many dermonecrotic lesions are incorrectly diagnosed as Brown recluse bites, as up to 50% of the diagnoses are in geographic regions of the country which do not have Loxosceles spiders. Sphingomyelinase D is the primary venom dermonecrotic factor. The toxin depletes serum hemolytic complement, prolongs the activated partial thromboplastin time and depletes clotting factors VIII, IX, XI, and XII. The venom induces rapid coagulation and occlusion of small capillaries, causing subsequent tissue necrosis. A classic "bulls eye" lesion develops, an erythematous area inside of which is a pale ischemic region that develops a dark necrotic center as the lesion matures. Healing is slow, and these ulcers may persist for months leaving a deep scar. Systemic signs occur less commonly but can be life threatening. The most prevalent sign is a hemolytic anemia with significant hemoglobinuria. There is no specific antidote. Dapsone a leukocyte inhibitor has been shown to be effective in treating dermal lesions in animal models. Conservative therapy includes several cleanings daily with Burrow's solution and hydrogen peroxide. Systemic signs of Loxosceles envenomation are potentially fatal and should be aggressively addressed. Hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy may be needed to maintain adequate hydration and to protect renal function.