A pseudoscorpion clinging to a cave salamander: phoresy or failed predation?

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  A pseudoscorpion clinging to a cave salamander: phoresy or failed predation? Abstract Pseudoscorpions are well known for phoretic associations with arthropods, but interactions with amphibians are rarely documented. Here we report a pseudoscorpion attached to the left palpebral region of an adult male Italian cave salamander, Speleomantes italicus , observed during a visual survey in a karst cave in Tuscany, Italy. The pseudoscorpion, assigned on the basis of visible morphology and locality to Chthonius cf. elongatus , was grasping a minute cutaneous fold on the lower margin of the left upper eyelid with one chela while the salamander moved slowly over the rock surface. No handling was performed and the initial contact between the two animals was not observed. The event therefore cannot be interpreted unambiguously, but may represent opportunistic phoresy or defensive attachment following a failed predation attempt. To our knowledge, this is the first published observation of a ...

Challenges in the diagnosis and management of brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) envenomation in dogs

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Challenges in the diagnosis and management of brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) envenomation in dogs


Abstract

This study reports two cases of araneism in dogs caused by the bite of the brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus), one of which resulted in death. The first case presented mild signs, successfully treated with medication and ice packs. The second case, more severe, involved exacerbated local signs such as extensive edema and ecchymosis, and diffuse cutaneous hemorrhage in the affected limb, as well as systemic signs, including vomiting, tetraparesis, ataxia, and epileptic seizure, culminating in renal and hepatic failure, circulatory collapse, and death. The treatments employed were based on the symptoms and included the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including the use of specific antivenoms in more severe cases. It emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, such as the use of insecticides, to prevent future accidents. Awareness of the clinical signs of poisoning and the available treatment options is crucial for healthcare professionals and veterinarians to ensure proper management of these incidents and minimize their consequences.



Santana, W. A., Rosado, I. R., Madeira, M. C., Sousa, M. V. C. de ., Martin, I. e Gabellini Leonel Alves, E. (2024) “Challenges in the diagnosis and management of brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) envenomation in dogs: Desafios no diagnóstico e manejo do envenenamento por aranha viúva marrom (Latrodectus geometricus) em cães”, Concilium, 24(7), p. 69–83. doi: 10.53660/CLM-3226-24G14.
https://doi.org/10.53660/CLM-3226-24G14