Venom Delivery:
- The Komodo dragon has two venom glands located in the lower jaw. These glands produce a venom that is injected into the victim through the dragon's teeth.
- The dragon's teeth are long, sharp, and serrated. When the dragon bites its victim, the teeth create deep puncture wounds that allow the venom to enter the body.
- Once the venom is injected, it quickly spreads through the victim's bloodstream.
Effects of the Venom:
- The venom of the Komodo dragon is a potent anticoagulant, which means that it prevents the blood from clotting. This can lead to severe bleeding and internal hemorrhaging.
-The venom also contains toxins that damage the nervous system and cause paralysis. This can lead to respiratory failure and death.
-In addition, the venom also contains toxins that damage the cardiovascular system and cause a drop in blood pressure.
Treatment:
There is no specific antidote for Komodo dragon venom. Treatment involves providing supportive care and managing the symptoms of the envenomation. This may include:
- Administering fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- Providing respiratory support
- Administering antibiotics to prevent infection
- Transfusion of blood and plasma to replace lost fluids and clotting factors.
The recovery from a Komodo dragon bite is often long and difficult and may require extensive medical care.