VenomousReptiles.org Survey

Survey Question	Current Survey Question Should hobbyists ever free handle venomous reptiles with their hands? Recent Surveys Most venomous/toxic Naja species in the world? I have read that the Philippine cobra is the most venomous (mice, 0.2 mg/kg SC with the lowest reported value being 0.14 mg/kg SC) (Brown, 1973). I have recently, come across something in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Vol. 30, (issue 12), pages: 1158-1162, 1992) which stated that the LD50 for Naja oxiana was the most toxic/venomous (mice, 0.18 mg/kg SC and lowest reported value was 0.10 mg/kg). Along with that, the mortality rate for untreated Naja oxiana bites are the highest among all Naja species (70-80%). N.oxiana also produced the lowest known lethal dose (LCLo) of 0.005 mg/kg, the lowest among all cobra species ever recorded, derived from an individual case of poisoning by intracerebroventricular injection. Following N. oxiana and N. philippinensis are N. melanoleuca at 0.225 mg/kg SC and then N. samarensis at 0.23 mg/kg. The water cobras (N. annulata and N. christyi also have very toxic venoms, but no SC values are listed. Only intraperitoneal (IP) values of 0.143 mg/kg for N. annulata and 0.12 mg/kg for N. christyi. IP values tend to be generally lower (more toxic than subcutaneous values, so it would be unfair to compare their IP results to the subcutaneous (SC) results of other Naja species. Then I have heard that (without solid evidence) that Naja nivea is the most venomous, although their murine SC LD50 range anywhere from 0.4 mg/kg (Toxicon, Vol. 5, issue 1, page 47, 1967) to 0.72 mg/kg (Australian venoms and toxins Databse). So which is the most venomous? To me it seems obvious that it is the Caspian or Oxus cobra (Naja oxiana), followed by the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). What do you think or know? I've noticed that the Australian venom and toxin Database seems to have higher LD50 values for all snakes across the board. For example, for the black mamba IP value of 0.01 mg/kg is listed (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004101018890219X) and Ernst and Zug et al 1996, list a SC value of 0.05 mg/kg for the black mamba. While the Australian venom and toxin Database listed much less toxic LD50's. So there seems to be a lot of variation. 2014-01-23 What's Your Favorite Venomous Snake? 2013-11-13 Deadliest Bite? 2013-09-16 IF the science of self-immunization for a snake envenomation was proven/perfected what is the least benefit(percentage) you would accept before practicing it on yourself? 2013-06-06 how did you learn to keep venomous reptiles? 2013-03-02 View All Survey Questions Have a good idea for a VenomousReptiles.org Survey question? Enter your idea!
Thanks for voting! Your vote has been included in the results below. What do you do with sick snakes?   Posted: Oct 07, 2000   (153 votes, 5 comments) by tropidolaemus
Survey Results
See a Vet 31% (48) Treat it yourself 62% (95) Let nature take it's course 7% (10)
Survey Comments
self-treatment I also am a vet tech. However there are always those instances when it helps to have another diagnosis. I am lucky in that i have a vet who only charges me for chemicals and not for consultations. Posted by IMPERMANENT0 on October 15, 2000 Really myself but.... Being a vet tech, I guess I do medicate all my own herps, but any help I need/questions, I can always get it at work. I will add that I understand the need most have to medicate their own animals, just be careful on your dosages, as many of the ABs,dewormers, etc, have a very narrow treatment range, and may be ODd easily. Ryan Posted by RYANW on October 8, 2000 Sick snake But if your treatments don't show improvement within a couple weeks, then see a vet Posted by Barry4 on October 7, 2000 Part of the "qualification" process I personally believe that if you're not experienced enough with herps to medicate for most common ailments yourself, then you're not experienced enough to keep venomous herps. The ability to take care of your own medicating within your collection comes with experience. I work with a vet on things like necropsy, but for common diseases and ailments, you should be pretty much self-sufficient. Just my 2 cents worth (Canadian, so not worth quite so much!) Posted by NUMBER18 on October 7, 2000 vets I have always found it difficult to get even a herp vet to look at a hot snake. I do know some who will hand out advice but want nothing to do with the snake it's self. To tell the truth, I can't really blame them. filthy. Posted by filthy on October 7, 2000 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!