Topics in medicine and surgery: Avian/exotic medicine by clinicians for clinicians
Clinical Technique: Handling and Treating Venomous Snakes

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Abstract

This article describes safe handling techniques for venomous snakes in the consulting room. Practical information is presented for clinicians who treat venomous snakes to reduce the risk of injury to the handler as well as the animal being treated.

Section snippets

Common Species

Venomous snakes are frequently classified into 3 groups based on their dentition: proteroglyphs, solenoglyphs, and opisthoglyphs. Aglyphous snakes are not venomous and do not have fangs (e.g., pythons).

The Fang

“Fang, n. 1, any long, sharp, pointed tooth with which prey is seized and held. 2, a tooth in the upper jaw which is recurved, conical, and elongate, and contains a lumen running along the anterior margin with orifices near the base and slightly proximally from the tip, through which the venom passes.”7

Elapidae

The elapids, belonging to the proteroglyph group of snakes, are the largest family of snakes in Australia. 5 There are 75 recognized species of elapidae compared with the other 92 species in the

Handling

Venomous snakes should be skillfully restrained for the physical examination, preferably by the keeper or owner and not the veterinarian. It is recommended that only experienced reptile veterinarians examine and treat venomous species.

Preparing for the Examination

Veterinarians treating venomous snakes must know the experience and competence of the person handling the animal. Most of the experienced competent snake handlers who work with venomous animals are zookeepers, experienced wildlife rescuers, and occasionally private herpetologists. The examination room must be escape proof, with all gaps under doors and cabinets blocked off. Ensure that snakes cannot wedge themselves under large items of furniture, such as refrigerators, desks, and weighing

Clinical Examination

Once a snake is “tubed,” a physical examination can be conducted. The skin, eyes, and cloaca can be examined safely while the snake is restrained (Fig 9). To adequately examine the oral cavity the snake must be removed from the tube. One must take extreme care when grasping the head of the snake as the animal retreats from the tube. It is often easier and safer to completely remove the snake from the tube by allowing it to either move in a forward direction and be placed in the holding bin or

Blood Collection

As with most snake patients, blood is collected from the ventral coccygeal vein. Collection by cardiac puncture is also possible; however, this technique is best performed with the snake under anesthesia (the heart is more easily visualized in an anesthetized snake). The position of the heart within the body cavity varies depending on the species of snake from which the blood is being collected. In Australian elapids, the heart is situated 20% to 24% of the snout vent length.9 Cardiocentesis is

Treatments

Consider treatment options carefully:

  • Does the snake even need to be handled?

  • Minimize the number of handlers. Often the veterinarian does not have to handle the snake.

  • Should the snake be anesthetized?

  • Injury site

  • Near the head—is “heading” required?

  • Caudal body—“tubing” will suffice.

  • Use absorbable sutures to reduce postsurgical handling.

  • Treat the snake as an outpatient if possible.

  • If it is still eating, medicate the snake via a food item.

If injectable medication is the only treatment option, choose

Euthanasia

As for many animals, a 2-stage euthanasia technique is recommended for venomous snakes. The euthanasia solution (Beuthanasia-D; Schering Plough Animal Health, New York, NY USA) is administered using the ventral coccygeal vein in a previously sedated or anesthetized snake. Cardiocentesis may be necessary if venous access is difficult or not possible (Fig 13).

Disclaimer

Veterinarians treat venomous snakes at their own discretion and should be acutely aware of the risks involved. These notes are meant as a guide only. The advice contained within this article may change with time as new, safer equipment and techniques evolve. Veterinarians are advised to familiarize themselves with snake identification and make their own enquiries relating to specific species and procedural concerns.

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