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RE: Hospitalization for spitting cobra?
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by Cro on December 11, 2006
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I know of a case of a city worker at a zoo who was hospitilized after working above a red spitting cobra cage while he was removing asbestos from the duct-work in a reptile building.
The large red spitting cobra below him was continually spitting at the screen above the cage when the worker was there.
Apparently, enough of the venom was atomized into the air for the worker to inhale some of it, and he become sick and required hospitalization.
Not the same as venom in an eye, but still interesting.
Best Regards JohnZ
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It's usually not a problem if you can wash quickly
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by Nephron on December 11, 2006
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I haven't heard of a case. You want to flush with water immediately (partly because it hurts like hell!), but that's usually enough. I've also heard that enzymatic contact lens cleaner (which you're not usually supposed to get in your eyes, but won't eat your eyeballs instantly) can help neutralize the venom.
The big problem with spitters is that it's easy to develop an allergy to the aerosolized venom; then a slightly higher exposure can put you in the hospital with anaphylaxis!
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RE: It's usually not a problem if you can wash qui
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by Cro on December 11, 2006
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Nephron, that is interesting about the enzymatic contact lens cleaner, but it makes sense that it could help deactivate venom.
Back before my Lasic vision correction, when I wore contacts, I once accidently put enzymatic lens cleaner in my eye, instead of contact solution. It burned like heck, but there was no permanant damage.
Something like that, that can break down the protien deposits on a contact lens, could also break down the protien structure of a snake venom.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: It's usually not a problem if you can wash qui
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by FLherp on December 12, 2006
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I would recommend using a saline or water wash rather than adding another substance into your eyes which causes further irritation. Just a suggestion, while it might be possible that the enzymes in the enzymatic lens wash will "deactivate" the enzymes, etc. in venom, my eyes are not appropriate vessel for experimentation. There is also a potential risk that adding more enzymes will only yield exacerbation of damage. Chemical reactions may be endo- or exothermic and their is the additional potential for injuries to the very delicate eye due to the heat or cold generated by the reaction. Hypothetically...
Just a suggestion.
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RE: It's usually not a problem if you can wash qui
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by FLherp on December 12, 2006
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I forgot to add to my first post that prevention of the event is much better than treating afterwards. If you have a spitting cobra in your collection, wear goggles when dealing with the animal. Anything less is somewhat irresponsible.
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RE: It's usually not a problem if you can wash qui
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by Cro on December 12, 2006
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Jeffrey makes some really good points.
From a safety standpoint, it would probably be better to use lots of water or normal saline if it were available.
It is interesting to note that in many parts of Africa, a stream of human urine is often used as the most available way to wash out spitting cobra venom from the eyes. This could be somewhat difficult if one were alone.......
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Hospitalization for spitting cobra?
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by Buzztail1 on December 12, 2006
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All your treatment needs.
I almost always start any research concerning anything about venom at www.toxinology.com
By calling up Naja pallida and checking their recommended treatment for venom spit into the eyes you will find this:(http://www.toxinology.com/fusebox.cfm?fuseaction=main.snakes.display&id=SN0187)
"Section 2: First aid for venom spit ophthalmia.
1. Venom coming into contact with eyes can cause intense conjunctivitis with a risk of corneal erosions, complicated by secondary infection, anterior uveitis and even permanent blindness. All this can occur following venom spat into the eyes from a spitting cobra.
2. Irrigate the eye or other affected mucous membrane as soon as possible using large volumes of water or any other available bland fluid. Never use chemical solutions or petroleum products such as petrol or kerosene. Milk is soothing and can be used, or in an emergency beer or urine are possibilities. Keep irrigating the eyes, hold them under a slowly running tap for a several minutes, while opening the eyelids and rotating the eyeball. The eye will be very painful, so patience, tact and reassurance are needed.
3. The eye should be bandaged using a pad over the eye and dark glasses worn.
4. Don''t let the victim rub the eye.
5. Seek urgent medical attention"
Hope this answers the immediate treatment question.
Apparently no-one here has been hospitalized for venom to the eyes.
Karl
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RE: Hospitalization for spitting cobra?
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by SwampY on December 13, 2006
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I seem to remember the package insert for SAIMR saying that it could be used as an eyewash to neutralize spitting cobra venom. I do not remember the species listed. If anyone has that a/v handy, check out the insert and see if it still says that. It was about five years ago I saw one I think. My memory is fuzzy, so check with your MD before trying it.
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RE: Hospitalization for spitting cobra?
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by SwampY on December 13, 2006
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Thanks to a friend on venom l , This is from the package insert for SAIMR polyvalent...
# SPITTING SNAKES
#
# The rinkhals and the spitting cobras may cause a severe inflammatory
# reaction if their venom enters the eye. Wash liberally with water,
# milk, or any non-irritant fluid. If the reaction is severe and fails to
# respond to washing, SAIMR Polyvalent Antivenom, diluted with water (1:5
# to 1:10) may be used as an eye-wash.
I assume it to be limited to the species mentioned in the a/v description. The person who sent this to me also noted that it says "may" and not "should"
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