Hemachatus haemachatus Family: Elapidae Subfamily: Elapinae Genus: Hemachatus Species: haemachatus Common Names Rinkals , Ringhals , Ring-necked Spitting Cobra Region Sub-Saharan Africa Countries Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe   Taxonomy and Biology Adult Length: 1.00 m General Shape Medium in length, slightly compressed, tapering and moderately slender bodied snake ( but relatively thick set when compared to other cobras ) with a short tail. Can grow to a maximum of about 1.50 metres. Neck region capable of expansion into a hood. Head is relatively broad, flattened, with a distinct canthus and indistinct from neck. Snout is obtusely pointed. Eyes are medium in size with round pupils. Dorsal scales are strongly keeled. Dorsal scale count usually ( 17 or 19 ) - 19 - 13. A spitting cobra. Habitat Coastal grassland to highveld grassland up to about 2500 metres. Habits Nocturnal. If threatened, it will rear up and spread its hood. Capable of spitting venom up to 2 or 3 metres toward the eyes of an aggressor, but if it misses will feign death by rolling onto its back and remain motionless with the mouth agape. Prey Prefers rodents but will feed on most small vertebrates, particularly toads. Species Map Small (Approx 20k) version   Venom Average Venom Qty 80 to 120 mg ( dry weight ), Minton (1974) ( Ref : R000504 ). General: Venom Neurotoxins Possibly present General: Venom Myotoxins Probably not present General: Venom Procoagulants Probably not present General: Venom Anticoagulants Probably not present General: Venom Haemorrhagins Possibly present General: Venom Nephrotoxins Probably not present General: Venom Cardiotoxins Present but not defined General: Venom Necrotoxins Possibly present General: Venom Other Unknown   Clinical Effects General: Dangerousness Severe envenoming possible, potentially lethal General: Rate of Envenoming: Unknown but likely to be high General: Untreated Lethality Rate: Unknown but lethal potential cannot be excluded General: Local Effects Local pain & swelling General: Local Necrosis Not likely to occur General: General Systemic Effects Variable non-specific effects which may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, collapse or convulsions General: Neurotoxic Paralysis Only minor neurotoxicity reported General: Myotoxicity Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence General: Coagulopathy & Haemorrhages Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence General: Renal Damage Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence General: Cardiotoxicity Insufficient clinical reports to know General: Other Unknown   First Aid Description: First aid for bites by Elapid snakes which do not generally cause significant injury at the bite site (see Comments for partial listing), though have the potential to cause injury by spitting venom, but which may have the potential to cause significant general (systemic) effects, such as paralysis, muscle damage, or bleeding. Details Section 1: General first aid (for first aid for venom spit ophthalmia see Section 2 below). 1. After ensuring the patient and onlookers have moved out of range of further strikes by the snake, the bitten person should be reassured and persuaded to lie down and remain still. Many will be terrified, fearing sudden death and, in this mood, they may behave irrationally or even hysterically. The basis for reassurance is the fact that many venomous bites do not result in envenoming, the relatively slow progression to severe envenoming (hours following elapid bites, days following viper bites) and the effectiveness of modern medical treatment. 2. The bite wound should not be tampered with in any way. Wiping it once with a damp cloth to remove surface venom is unlikely to do much harm (or good) but the wound must not be massaged. For Australian snakes only, do not wash or clean the wound in any way, as this may interfere with later venom detection once in a hospital. 3. All rings or other jewellery on the bitten limb, especially on fingers, should be removed, as they may act as tourniquets if oedema develops. 4. If the bite is on a limb, a broad bandage (even torn strips of clothing or pantyhose) should be applied over the bitten area at moderate pressure (as for a sprain; not so tight circulation is impaired), then extended to cover as much of the bitten limb as possible, including fingers or toes, going over the top of clothing rather than risking excessive limb movement by removing clothing. The bitten limb should then be immobilised as effectively as possible using an extemporised splint or sling. 5. If there is any impairment of vital functions, such as problems with respiration, airway, circulation, heart function, these must be supported as a priority. In particular, for bites causing flaccid paralysis, including respiratory paralysis, both airway and respiration may be impaired, requiring urgent and prolonged treatment, which may include the mouth to mask (mouth to mouth) technique of expired air transfer. Seek urgent medical attention. 6. Do not use Tourniquets, cut, suck or scarify the wound or apply chemicals or electric shock. 7. Avoid peroral intake, absolutely no alcohol. No sedatives outside hospital. If there will be considerable delay before reaching medical aid, measured in several hours to days, then give clear fluids by mouth to prevent dehydration. 8. If the offending snake has been killed it should be brought with the patient for identification (only relevant in areas where there are more than one naturally occurring venomous snake species), but be careful to avoid touching the head, as even a dead snake can envenom. No attempt should be made to pursue the snake into the undergrowth as this will risk further bites. 9. The snakebite victim should be transported as quickly and as passively as possible to the nearest place where they can be seen by a medically-trained person (health station, dispensary, clinic or hospital). The bitten limb must not be exercised as muscular contraction will promote systemic absorption of venom. If no motor vehicle or boat is available, the patient can be carried on a stretcher or hurdle, on the pillion or crossbar of a bicycle or on someone's back. 10. Most traditional, and many of the more recently fashionable, first aid measures are useless and potentially dangerous. These include local cauterization, incision, excision, amputation, suction by mouth, vacuum pump or syringe, combined incision and suction ("venom-ex" apparatus), injection or instillation of compounds such as potassium permanganate, phenol (carbolic soap) and trypsin, application of electric shocks or ice (cryotherapy), use of traditional herbal, folk and other remedies including the ingestion of emetic plant products and parts of the snake, multiple incisions, tattooing and so on. Section 2: First aid for venom spit ophthalmia. 1. Venom coming into contact with eyes can cause intense conjunctivitis with a risk of corneal erosions, complicated by secondary infection, anterior uveitis and even permanent blindness. All this can occur following venom spat into the eyes from a spitting cobra. 2. Irrigate the eye or other affected mucous membrane as soon as possible using large volumes of water or any other available bland fluid. Never use chemical solutions or petroleum products such as petrol or kerosene. Milk is soothing and can be used, or in an emergency beer or urine are possibilities. Keep irrigating the eyes, hold them under a slowly running tap for a several minutes, while opening the eyelids and rotating the eyeball. The eye will be very painful, so patience, tact and reassurance are needed. 3. The eye should be bandaged using a pad over the eye and dark glasses worn. 4. Don't let the victim rub the eye. 5. Seek urgent medical attention.   Treatment Treatment Summary Bites by these snakes can cause moderate to severe envenoming, with some local effects, but not necrosis, & systemic effects, including flaccid paralysis. All cases should be admitted. Systemic envenoming usually requires antivenom therapy. If respiratory paralysis, intubate & ventilate. Key Diagnostic Features Local pain, swelling, ± flaccid paralysis General Approach to Management All cases should be treated as urgent & potentially lethal. Rapid assessment & commencement of treatment including appropriate antivenom (if indicated & available) is mandatory. Admit all cases. Antivenom Therapy Antivenom is the key treatment for systemic envenoming. Multiple doses may be required. Antivenoms 1. Antivenom Code: SAfSAI03 Antivenom Name: SAIMR Polyvalent Antivenom Manufacturer: South African Vaccine Producers (Pty) Ltd Phone: +27 11 386-6000; +27 11 386-6078 Address: Postal address PO Box 28999 Sandringham 2131 Gauteng Province Physical address 1 Modderfontein Road Sandringham, Johannesburg Country: South Africa 2. Antivenom Code: SAfSAIBK Antivenom Name: SAIMR Snakebite Kit Manufacturer: South African Vaccine Producers (Pty) Ltd Phone: +27 11 386-6000; +27 11 386-6078 Address: Postal address PO Box 28999 Sandringham 2131 Gauteng Province Physical address 1 Modderfontein Road Sandringham, Johannesburg Country: South Africa   Images No images for Images