Rinkhals Snake Suffers Lacerations And Punctures

The following story about a rinkhals snake was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.

After an encounter with a dog, an adult rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus) is currently at our hospital for medical treatment. Medical examination, with the assistance of Grant F., revealed multiple lacerations and puncture wounds.

Antibiotics, pain medication, anti-inflammatories as well as fluids were administered to ensure that the snake was not only free from pain, but that any possible infection could be mitigated. It is a fallacy that snakes cannot feel pain. Just like any other patient, we treat snakes for pain management, too.

After she was stable enough for surgery, this snake was carefully sedated and monitored throughout the surgery where the largest laceration was sutured. Snakes cannot breathe on their own once sedated. A bag valve mask is utilized where a vet monitors, and temporarily takes over, the breathing of the snake for the duration of the surgery.

She is as fierce and as beautiful as can be, and keeps us on our toes, especially now that she is feeling better! While she is not eating on her own, she is benefitting from being tube-fed EmerAid IC Carnivore.

Once the suture site has healed and she has successfully shed, this rinkhals will be ready for release in a safe environment within the geographical region she was found.

Massive thank you to Grant F. for assisting us in treating and feeding this black beauty.