A neurotoxin (New Latin for "nerve poison") acts on the victim's nervous system, causing excitation (cramps, vomiting, convulsions) or depression (paralysis, respiratory or cardiac depression or arrest). A hemotoxin ("blood poison") breaks down the victim's tissues, usually by an acid or a toxin that prevents or causes blood clotting, or destroys red or white blood cells. Venom usually contains both types, but one dominates. Cytotoxin Affects cellular tissue and usually restricted to area of the bite. Initial bite is painless but symptoms develop about 2-8 hours later, area becomes painful and swollen
Eventually a blister may form over a necrotic lesions which then sloughs to create an ulcerated wound (up to 10cm)
Ulcer will heal over months and leave behind a scar. In extreme cases, skin grafts may be necessary.
In severe cases, systemic conditions may occur, e.g. thrombocytopaenia, DIC, renal failure.

Now can anyone tell me what type of venom Poecilotheria sp has? Experiencing this bite and reading up other bite reports I tend to think that its a mixture??

General measures that should occur after a spider bite include:
-Wash the area well with soap and water
-Apply a cold flannel or ice pack wrapped in cloth to the site
-Give paracetamol for pain
-Seek immediate emergency care for further treatment

Depending on identification of the offending spider and the severity of the bite treatment may include:
-Muscle relaxants
-Stronger pain relievers
-Antibiotics to prevent infections and antihistamines to reduce swelling
-Supportive care
-Antivenin

Specific treatment for bites from certain spiders include:
-Intravenous calcium gluconate alternating with methocarbamol to relieve muscle cramps caused by spiders belonging to the -Latrodectus genus (e.g. black widow).
-Antivenin is available for bites by spiders of the Latrodectus and Loxosceles genera and is very effective if given soon after the bite.
-Hydroxyzine (antihistamine) may be given to alter the necrotic lesion of bites from spiders of the Loxosceles genus.
-It is possible that systemic steroids may be of benefit.

So still think dianabol is a bad idea? Once again, read this bite report
www.bighairyspiders.com/poec.html

This is not the only bite report in which there was a loss in muscle mass, and also not the only genus. Read some bite reports on Heteroscodra maculata, and you will find it to be very similar to that Poecilotheria.

Cerat wrote:

Yeah, should only be with cytotoxic venom.
Pokies should be neurotoxic venom. Did the doctor prescribe the medicine? Does he know its neurotoxic?

A: Its a female doctor ....
B: I have been studying bite reports regarding most OW sp, especially Heteroscodra, Stromatopelma and Poecilotheria. In more than one report there are mentions of muscle mass loss. I take it that Pokies are neurotoxic considering the effects the bite has had on my body (thrice, although this being the worst one). Taking that into regard, I did tell the doctor (my aunt) about the bite reports I have read. taking all this into account, and rather being safe than sorry, dianabol is the extra precaution being taken just to stop me from possibly loosing muscle mass from, example, my beautiful chest.

I am yet to find a proper toxicity report on most of the tarantulas I keep. Any help? Mr Magnificent Duke perhaps? Or Mr Stan Schultz?

If I'm not mistaken tarantula venom is a Protein.
Which still effects the muscles, joints and nervous.

I don't think there is enough information out there regarding bites from tarantulas.
So no real medicine that can help with the side effects, have to stick it out.

I was given muscle relaxant to help with spasms and cramps and anti biotics for infection from spider fangs.

With regards to muscle loss, the venom could cause it to happen.
But it normally takes a couple of weeks for atrophy to set in.
I can't say for for sure that it happened to me, as I had water retention, so I was swollen.

But in all the bite reports , I have never seen neurotoxin side effects with tarantula bites.

Do you go to gym?
Basically you are taking steriods?

If your doctor said you can take it then I would think it is fine, but I don't think you will have to much muscle loss from this, just keep active,

bearing this in mind, the venom is in your blood stream and is attached to your muscles, hence the cramps and stiffness.
So it will be some time before your body gets rid of the toxins in your blood!

This is the first instance I have come near anything like steroids(they would ban me from the sports I do, like competition rock and wall climbing, Thai boxing, and when I was younger the golf I used to play for North West and Junior SA). Yes I work out everyday, but not in a gym, I hit the punching bags, then do body weight exercises, sprints etc.

I have a really fast metabolism, hopefully that will help getting the venom out of my system. That said, I am feeling A okay right now....

Quick update: As from yesterday I have been feeling much better, no cramps, no headaches just a little stiffness (which may be from the 1 1/2 hour workout). My thumb is still a bit tender where the fang punctured, but its more like a thorn prick now. Still wondering if the fact that only one fang penetrated may have to do with this bite not being as bad as I thought, or maybe the amount of venom that entered my bloodstream, or maybe just the fact that its only 10cm. That being said, I would hate getting tagged by one of my large mature females, especially a full on bite. :sick:

Lets hope this is the last bite report I ever have to submit. Thanks a lot for the interaction from all, and some of the advice.

Hopefully as Cerat stated I have learnt my lesson (I have ordered some VERY long tweezers that should be arriving today ), and the numerous communals in process or still in planning will go down smoothly, no bites. :thumbsup: