Tips for with my first elapid

[CrotalusFan]

Title says it all. I’ve always had a passion for cobra’s but never really thought I’d truly make the jump from pit viper to elapid. The more I scope them out at shows though the more and more I’m coming to the realization that it’s probably going to happen sooner or later. Like everything else in life there’s no really no substitute for experience; but I’m doing everything I can to be as prepared as possible.

I’ve read all the care sheets and watched whatever videos I could find but can’t say I’m any closer to knowing what to truly expect in regards to their speed and handling. I’m hoping those of you with firsthand experience may be able to offer some additional tips or observations that may prove helpful.

I’d call myself a pretty quick study and a calm handler, but this is a pretty big jump for me and I want to do it right.

[MDT]

Scope out your local EDs and find out what their capacity to treat elapid envenomations are. I'm being serious. I hope you never have to find out. I would love to see some awesome pics of you and a cobra someday. But in the event of a bite, you need to know who can treat APPROPRIATELY. As someone who has treated multiple pit viper bites (never had the opportunity to treat elapid bite), I can tell you that most EDs do not have a a stellar record in the understanding and management of envenomation. And that is for local pit vipers.

Find out what tertiary emergency department you would receive care in, find out if they have a source for antivenom for the species you are thinking of keeping. Check w the regional poison control center and inquire who the toxicologist may be and if they are MD/DO (not PhD) and if they have clinical experience in treating envenomations.

CroFab is easy to come by (relatively) nationwide for North American pit viper envenomation...African or Asiatic cobra antivenoms.....not so much.

After that.....you can worry about speed, handling, caging, etc...

[CrotalusFan]

I agree that having the process down in the event of a bite is a very important step and appreciate the info. My cousin works in the ER at a local hospital and I've asked her to query the doctors as to the best hospital/MD in the area in regards to snakebite. I'm pretty sure it will be Hershey but I'll reach out to them directly once she gets back to me.

There's a Reptile Zoo approx 45 minutes from me that displays a King and Red spitting cobra but no Monocled that I'm aware of. I'm assuming that's what I'd end up with for my first. If they don't stock it themselves I'm hoping they're willing to point me in the right direction. As you said I don't EVER want to find out but even professionals make mistakes and minutes count.

[MDT]

True...and the thing is, if the reptile zoo did stock it, are they under any obligation to make it available to you in the event of a bite? That stuff is insanely expensive. How would they recoup their cost if they allowed you to be treated w it? How would they replace their stock? Not saying they wouldn't...just practical things to consider with exotic venomous stuff.

[CrotalusFan]

I wouldn't think that a zoo, or any private establishment for that matter would be under any legal obligation to make their stock available; although if I'm to be honest I suppose I thought that was simply how it worked.

The average keeper has no means to afford it and the local hospitals have no reason to stock it so not trying to be smart at all, but where else does it come from when someone is bitten? I've put thought into the subject in the past and just assumed that was the typical scenario; and that they would receive reimbursement from the insurance company for their used stock. I guess a lot of these questions and concerns are what's kept me away from moving to elapids in the past. They're very difficult questions to answer.

I'm comfortable with my abilities with pit vipers and know that Hershey stocks CroFab. I know nothing of my abilities to work with elapids and when I add up all of these questions it's a very daunting decision. One that always seems to come back with me telling myself that I'll stick with my vipers. For all I know it may come back to that again this time around; but if nothing else I'll be that much more prepared should I decide to move forward the next time. Figure I can't go wrong with additional knowledge either way.

[SSSSnakes]

I take it you are near Hershey, PA. I'm in NY and if you ever wanted to see first hand handling cobras you could stop by and I could show you. I have Monocles, Suphan, Egyptian And Black & White Spitters.

[MDT]

I think you are being very reasoned in your approach. I have been accused (by a couple of former forum members here) of being a "nanny" (putting it nicely)....about this stuff. But I've also seen the aftermath of the "here, hold my beer and watch this" crowd....I get to suture those guys up, splint their fractures or administer the CroFab....so I really do tip my hat to your diligence.

And you're correct about the costs involved. The average keeper can not afford it, but since it is a pharmaceutical, you'd need a prescription (or DEA/medical license) to obtain it. Then, you'd have to consider would the ED you go to even give it to you since they were not the originators of the medication (liability issues)....If the reptile zoo let you use their stock, it would likely be a donation, out of altruism, no medical insurance company would reimburse an outside party in that manner....maybe the zoo's insurance might, idk...

You might reach out to Jerry or to Willow on the forum here...they may be able to answer the question in a more practical manner....even in a PM. I am speculating simply from the ED physician standpoint... not so much from the keeper standpoint as to what most tertiary ER facilities can take care of.

I hope you never have to find out!

[CrotalusFan]

That's a very generous offer SSSSnakes and I believe I'll take you up on that. Still doing a little research as to the toxicologist, etc....but will reach out to you via PM to determine a date/time that works best based on your schedule. Thanks again!