Name
Clinical Management of Injuries and Infection in a Spectacled Cobra Following a Predatory Attack
Description
This case report discusses the clinical management of a Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja) that sustained extensive facial and oral injuries, and infection following a predatory attack. A 1.3 kilograms Spectacled Cobra was rescued by a local wildlife rescuer after its encounter with a mongoose left it in an injured state. Clinical symptoms included lethargy, dehydration, ulcerative wounds on the face, ocular opacity and multiple bite wounds on the body. The treatment plan included fluid therapy, antibiotics, analgesia, wound and oral care, and nutritional support via tube feeding. As the treatment progressed, the snake showed minor improvement and developed stomatitis. Bacterial culture of the oral swab revealed Proteus species as the causative agent and sensitivity to Ceftiofur and Chloramphenicol. Ceftiofur was given parenterally and Chloramphenicol applied topically. Over the course of several weeks, the snake showed significant improvement, including healing of facial wounds and resolution of corneal opacity and stomatitis. After regaining normal activity and feeding, it was released back into its habitat. The Spectacled Cobra is listed as “least concern” in the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I (Part C) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 of India. It faces growing threats from human-wildlife conflict due to urbanization and as habitats shrink, encounters with humans increase, leading to retaliatory attacks driven by fear of venom. This case emphasizes the importance of veterinary care and conservation efforts to mitigate such threats.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)