First AID by Spitting Cobras

Spitting cobras:

A few species of cobras have the unique ability in defence to spit there venom to there attackers. These species are of the genus, Naja and Haemachatus. What we call spitting is not really spitting but rather squirt there venom.

Pressure on the venom glands forces the venom along the venom duct to the hollow fangs, at the tip of the venom fang is a duct in a right angle on the fang, this duct directs the venom out of the cobras mouth.

These species are capable to spray there venom over a distance of 2,5 – 4 meters. Most people will say that the venom spitting cobras always aim on the eyes, this is not true but is rather sprayed to highest point of there attacker. Ejecting venom is a unique way of defending and works quit well to scare predators away. Another story that is not true is that spitting cobras don’t bite. On skin the venom will do very little or no damage unless it enters an open wound. When hit in the eyes it is absorbed rapidly by the small blood vessels close to the surface of the eyes. The venom in the eyes will cause burning pain and severe inflammation.

First aid treatment for Spitting cobras:

The first lesson is “Rubbing the eyes will do a lot more harm than good”

A proper first aid treatment is rinse the eyes with large quantities of water or any other harmless fluid like a cold drink, milk or even beer. Do never try to neutralize the venom but rather to flush it from the eyes. Wipe any venom on the face away from the eyes. After this we need to seek medical advice, because it might be necessary to rinse the eyes by doctor with a serum dilution. In a normal way the eyes should recover fully in tree or four days. Without a first aid treatment and no doctor visit the venom may cause partial blindness.

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This page is not build to stimulate people to keep venomous snakes. All Captive information given on this page is based on own experience