MANAGEMENT OF A CASE OF VENOMOUS SNAKEBITE IN A CAPTIVE THOMPSON’S GAZELLE (Eudorcas Thomsonii)

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

2 Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

3 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming is an acute, life-threatening disease that affects humans and animals, including wild ones. Given the dearth of information on snakebites in Thompson’s gazelles as well as in zoo animals, the present paper describes the successful management of a case of snakebite in a Thompson’s gazelle in the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The recently acquired Thompson’s Gazella was suddenly found with a swollen face and bleeding from a spot on the face. A cobra was sighted close to the animal’s enclosure. Blood sample was obtained for haematology and serum chemistry; however, serum chemistry was not analysed because there was severe haemolysis. Haematological blood picture revealed poikilocytosis marked by severe schistocytosis, thrombocytopaenia, and low packed cell volume. Polyvalent snake venom antiserum was promptly administered. Dexamethasone, diclofenac sodium, long-acting amoxicillin, and tetanus toxoid injections were also given. The bite site was properly cleaned after sedation with a 2% xylazine injection, and the animal was monitored for two weeks. All clinical signs subsided, the haematological profile returned to normal, and the patient survived; however, there was necrosis of the skin at the snake bite site. Prompt administration of snake antivenom saved the life of the animal, which is of conservation importance. The feral snake population in ex situ wildlife conservation environments needs to be controlled.

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