Winston, a juvenile Gila monster pet, has become the prime suspect in his owner's death. The owner, a man from Colorado, is suspected to have a sensitivity to the toxic saliva of the lizard.
Man From Colorado Dies After Being Bitten by Venomous Gila Monster
The man passed away on February 16. This was just four days after his pet reptile bit him. This potentially makes him the second person in the last century to have passed away due to the venom of a Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum).
On record, only over half a dozen deaths have been attributed to the bites of Gila monsters. However, it has been quite impossible to draw any definitive conclusions regarding the nature of the fatalities and whether these cases are truly associated with the venom of the creature.
The same is true for this recent case. The associations between the bite and the cause of death are speculative in nature.
The 34-year-old man, who is a resident of Jefferson County, was bitten by one of his two illegally kept Gila monsters, Winston and Potato. According to the girlfriend of the man, he started vomiting and experiencing breathing difficulties within minutes following the bite.
While he was brought to the hospital and placed on life support, he met his tragic demise nearly four days after.
Gila Monsters and Their Dangerous Bites
Gila monsters span roughly 20 inches and are the largest lizards in the US. These creatures have a unique bumpy texture, a black-and-organ skin with blotches, and a personality that can be likened more to a mouse than a monster. Gila monsters are considered prized for those who collect reptiles.
While Gila monsters are typically shy, they can deliver strong nips with their grooved teeth. This then opens the way for enzymes that destroy flesh to enter.
According to a study, the clinical presentation of a Gila monster's bite can include edema, pain, nausea, hypotension, weakness, vomiting, and diaphoresis.
There is no antivenom to counterattack their toxins. In cases where bites happen, it is important to first remove the lizard if this has not yet already been done, as longer bites could make the bites more venomous. It is important, however, to be careful and protect oneself against further bites.
First aid measures for bites could include irrigating the wound with much water, immobilizing the impacted limb, and keeping the patient reassured.
Hypotension that results can be treated through volume resuscitation, while anaphylaxis can be treated with epinephrine. This should be done at the doctor's discretion.
Bite wound care should include debridement and copious irrigation as necessary. Therapies such as tourniquet, cryotherapy, and excision are dangerous and should not be options.
One must not wait for any symptoms to surface. It is important to contact the poison center immediately and access immediate medical treatment at the closest medical facility.
Pet Gila Monsters
In Colorado, a license is necessary for one to own Gila monsters. Nevertheless, state authorities admit that there are times when illegal sales still happen. Experts cite the event in cautioning individuals to be careful with reptile handling.
The two lizards have been brought to a reptile sanctuary in South Dakota. Winston's saliva samples have also been tested to examine unique quality signs that could offer details regarding the case. Nevertheless, the man's death is currently being attributed to sensitivity towards the venom of the reptile.
A Source of Pharmaceutical Inspiration
While Gila monster venom is known to be destructive, some of its components have inspired novel pharmaceutical development.
Exendin-4, a type of peptide, is known to activate a receptor class found within the pancreas and brain that boost the secretion of insulin. For biochemists, the peptide was modified to semaglutide, which is now a drug sold for treating diabetes, and now weight loss therapy, under brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
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