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Posted by mike fetterman on April 30, 1999 at 15:02:35:
In Reply to: Help: I need reptile stories and pit viper photo's posted by Ken Haas on January 31, 1999 at 16:25:48:
: : I am in need of interesting stories on venomous snakes and other reptiles. For example bites, escapes, constrictions, death related accidents from the above are being compiled for a book. I also need photo's of North American pit vipers for another book ready for publication. If anyone has any information please e-mail me.
i was bitten by a red spitting cobra (Naja pallida) in 1992 while cleaning cages at a zoo. The snake was in food "mode" after two smaller meals earlier and struck the lid at the vy same moment i tried to open the cage. Immeadiatley the snake released (realizing that it wasn't as good as mouse) and there was immediate tingling which turned into burning. After 5 hours of observation, the serem was used (we had 25 vials of our own--used 7) i slowly came out of a venom induced stupor i was bitten at 3;30 pm and by 9 pm i was sitting up with a badly swollen hand-which turned into a badly swollen arm the next day and for weeks afterward. No serum allergies werenoted and after 8days of hospitalization i was released one year later i was sprayed on the arm by the same specie and broke out in a rash followed by naseua and drwsiness and a few times since i have had the same reaction. I have acquired an allergy to the red spitting cobra. I stillafter 7 years have a scar where i had llost all the skin on my hand from the lower side of the small finger to the wrist(the skin had died and fell out--five months of saline soaking and bandages) and it took fourmonths physical therpy to use some of my fingers. And to think this specie s one of the milder cobras in toxicity although the neurotoxic effects were substatial the hemological damage was worse then that of many other elapids.
thank you
