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Spitting Cobra???????
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by EPARR1 on May 10, 2007
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I have a few questions about Red Spitting Cobras (Naja pallida) this could pertain to any spitting cobra really. I plan to get a Naja pallida one of these days and Im curious about the venom.
I have heard of people becoming hypersensitive to the venom. Even being in the room will affect them even without direct contact. If this is true does some of the venom get atomized from the force coming out of the fangs?
Assuming the venom does get atomized or something to that effect. Is it the inhalation of the atomized venom or just from settling on the skin that causes the reaction?
I know the venom on the skin can and will cause a reaction or irritation. Im just curious as to how some can be affected from just being in the room? I was also curious if someone could be affected that was in the area but not in the room?
All of my question may be misdirected and completely off base so bare with me here.
I was also curious about cleaning the venom after it lands on the walls, floors ect. How dangerous is the venom once it hits the walls and dries? If a dog was to lick it could it have a reaction? What is the best method of removing the venom so it is not harmful to any people and pets?
I know a fair amount about the care and precautions of owning a spitting cobra but very little about the flying venom. Im not planning on getting one anytime soon this is just preparation.
Thanks in advance
Eric G.
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by LordViperTX on May 10, 2007
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The only part I can answer there is the question about dried venom. Research has shown that many snake venoms have a potency life of over two decades after drying.
Other than that I haven't braved any spitters yet, nor do I think I will. Between the N melanoluca that stayed here for awhile, as well as my current kaouthia and haje...I don't want to have to clean glass from the "temper tantrums." LOL
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by JHarrison on May 10, 2007
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(This is Kristen using Jim's account)
I have an allergy to spitters. I think it originally developed due to my handling of lyophilized venom, but I could be wrong. If a spitter sprays while I am cleaning the cage or something, I occasionally have a hayfever-like reaction- sneezing, runny eyes and nose, etc. If any venom gets on my skin I get hives. I've taken to wearing long sleeves when working them (of course we always use a face mask as well.) I don't have a problem just being in the room, but I suppose it is possible- they freqently will spray on the walls of the cage and so dried venom is about in the room.
As far as cleaning it up, we use a 10% bleach solution. Bleach denatures the venom. Don't rub it away if it gets on your skin- that will just introduce more to your system.
Not trying to preach here, but I don't understand why anyone would want a spitter of any type. Pallida are pretty, but all of the spitters I deal with spray from both ends, crap constantly and all over the walls, and are a general pain. I wish we didn't have them, actually.
On another note, I have read on here before where people have said pallida are not very dangerous. At the snakebite conf., I saw slides of 'travelling necrosis' where the venom traveled through the lymph system and caused large necrotic lesions wherever a lymph node existed. So a bite on the hand could result in necrotic spots on the armpit, neck, and groin/testicles. Very very very nasty and only preventable if a/v was given within an hour. Just a heads up.
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by EPARR1 on May 10, 2007
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Preach away! I will listen and take all advice. I have no answer as to why I want a spitter.
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by petra on May 10, 2007
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Eric, it's not as bad as you think. The older the cobra gets the less chance you have to see it spit.
They are unlikely to spit once out of the enclosure. So usually you would just have to clean the cage, not the walls and floors.
However you never know, you may end up with a crazy individual. Not too long ago you felt uncomfortable around your monocle. What if you will end up with a snake with a similar attitude that will besides of everything else try to spit on you? Maybe you should get used to the non-spitting elapids first.
As far as getting allergic you may be affected in your snake room, but the rest of your house will be OK.
You remember I used to keep one, right? She spat on the glass few times, she was the worst when she was in shed and couldn't see. I used to wear safety glasses, but I have never gotten spat on. Once she was out she was fine. I got spat on by my WDB more than her!
(He did it again...try to get me through the screened top when I was locking it up. It happened so fast, I didn't even see him strike, just felt the wet venom all over my hand. I'm so glad I'm careful and never get close enough for him to get me)
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by EPARR1 on May 11, 2007
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I'm just gathering information at this point. I may never get one just checking on the effects and such.
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by GREGLONGHURST on May 11, 2007
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You are at a much greater risk of becoming sensitized to (&allergic to) the venom from a spitter than from any other snake. Cleaning the venom off cage fronts & walls with a bleach solution is a great idea. Scraping it off the glass puts you at risk of breathing it. Dried venom is dangerous stuff. As far as worrying about a dog icking it off the floor, I doubt that would be as bad as you might think. If it is introduced into the bloodstream by inhalation or injection or through the eyes, you have problems. Taken orally, not so much.
~~Greg~~
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by jpjoubert on May 11, 2007
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I currently own a juvenile CB Naja nigricollis. One of the most beautiful serpent species period. While in South Africa I also looked after a juvenile WC Naja mosambica. I dont know how much the CB part has to do with it, but this nigricollis is very placid compared to the mosambica, granted I dont ever handle it other than to clean the cage. I do however walk past it frequently and it almost never hoods and has only spat once.
I am fairly new to this website and slowly working on having my opinions and information be educational and respected so I don't believe in trying to have all these profound statements and warnings and things of that sort, many other people on here are more experienced and older so I will leave most of the warning to them. We are (mostly) all adults on here and should be able to determine what we can handle.
I will however say that Naja species in general are very intelligent not to mention deadly, added that you now have the aspect of projectile venom....you get the point.
One word of advice though. For your own sake and for others, make sure that you have some warning on the cage about the spitting capability of the species, also place goggles either on the cage or have it where you see it before you get to the cage. It is easy to forget and many visitors or friends may not know or understand these species. One peak through the top and you might have some hassles very quickly.
The beauty of the snake and my obsession with all Naja species is the reason for me keeping this species.
That's it. Good luck.
Cheers, jp.
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by Atrox788 on May 11, 2007
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I have also developed a reaction due to spitters, pallida specifically. Jim summed it up best. Its similar to be hit with an extreme case of hay fever. Red, burning eyes, congestion, uncontroable sneezing fits and overall unpleasnt feeling.
I could still enter the room with my pallida but every time I opened the cage I would literally get knocked back due to the symptoms.
A great friend and mentor of mine had an even worse reaction. He had at one time, every species of spitter available in the US. His reaction was so bad that he would break out into hives over a good portion of his body just from opening the cage.
I ended up getting rid of all of my venomous about a year ago due to this. I am slowly taking baby steps back into the hobby and will probably pick up a pair of eyelash, Taylor's cantil and maybe some squams but my elapid days are definitely over due to this.
As Greg said, spitters are the one type of snake most likely to cause this sort of hypersensitivity so definitely keep that in mind.
Oh and in regards to the Naja pallida danger aspect Jim mentioned. Not only is the venom strong (I have seen pallida kill an adult mouse in less than 3 seconds. Not a scientific observation but still extraordinary!) but they are aggressive and contrary to popular belief, very willing to bite!! Spitters will spit first, true but anyone who has a ticked off pallida by the tail can tell you, they will try to bite as well! I think the spitting over biting aspect is what leads people to consider them a “good beginner Naja”. Personally I think Naja kaouthia are better starters. They are rather predictable (the 4 pallida I had were extremely erratic!) and much slower then most African Naja.
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RE: Spitting Cobra???????
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by EPARR1 on May 11, 2007
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Thanks for all the great information. I'm working with a friend of mine that has a few cobras so I'm learning more as time goes by. This is not a snake that I plan to aquire anytime soon. I'm just researching and preparing for now.
well keep the info coming this is a good read.
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