Surgical Intervention in Prolapsed Rescued Russell Viper

JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
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CASE REPORT
Surgical Intervention in Prolapsed Rescued Russell Viper (Daboia russelii)
Devendra N. Podhade and Ranjeet Harne
Ex-Veterinary Officer, Bondla Zoo, Goa, India.
Present Address: Dr. Devendra N. Podhade, Assistant Professor, Centre for Wildlife Forensic and Health, NDVSU, Jabalpur-482001(M.P.),
India.
Abstract
*Corresponding Author:
Devendra N Podhade
Email: [email protected]
Received: 15/05/2014
Revised: 22/06/2014
Accepted: 27/06/2014
A russell viper was rescued with copulatory organ prolapsed
(hemipenis). Prolapsed mass was kept moist and in proper position with the
help of lubricant. An opening was kept to pass for natural process.
Antibiotic treatment Inj. Amikacin sulphate at 0.2 mg/kg I/M and analgesic
Inj. Meloxicam at 0.2 mg/kg S/C along with the stool softer for 3 days was
given. Complete recovery was seen and sutures were removed after 7 days.
Keywords: Daboia russelii , hemipenis, prolapse, russell viper
Introduction
Russell viper is found in Asia throughout the
Indian subcontinent, much of Southeast Asia, southern
China and Taiwan (Hawgood, 1994). Russell viper is
protected in the Schedule- II of wildlife protection act,
1972. Prolapses occur in all species of reptiles but less
noticed in the free range. Identification of etiology is
one of the most important guidelines in the line of
treatment. Common causes of prolapses are
constipation or fecal impaction, worm load, foreign
body gastritis, diarrhea, hypocalcaemia, straining or
tenesmus, chronic sexual activity. It can be also
associated with neurologic dysfunction or general
debilitation in all reptiles (Martinez-Jiminez, 2007;
Innis and Boyer, 2002). The report of prolapsed in
snakes is very scanty seen in field conditions. The
present case describes the surgical intervention in
copulatory organ prolapse of the snakes.
moist by applying cotton bandage overnight and
stabilized the patient (Martinez-Jiminez, 2007).
Fig1: Rescue operation of russel viper with snake catcher
instrument showing prolapsed viper copulatory organ.
Case History and Clinical examination
One russel viper was rescued in the evening by
the forest snake catcher from the Ganje village near
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa. The snake was dull
and depressed condition having copulatory organ
prolapse (Fig 1).
Treatment
On the first day, prolapsed viper’s head was
mechanically restrained by snake holder. The prolapsed
mass was kept moist until debris gets cleaned. Water
soluble lubricant was gently over it. Cold ice packs and
ice was applied over the prolapsed mass along with
glycerin. Attempt was made to keep prolapsed mass
Fig 2: Prolapsed mass in rescued russell viper
On the second day, viper was kept under
sedation for the management of prolapsed mass by
using Ketamine Hydrocholride (Inj. Troy Laboratories,
Australia) at 20 mg kg/wt (Raut et al., 2008). The mass
Journal of Wildlife Research | April-June, 2014 | Vol 2 | Issue 2 | Pages 09-10
© 2014 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
was again washed with the normal saline. Superficial
scab was removed.
Fig 3: Successful release of rescued russell viper in the
natural environ
The prolapsed mass (Fig 2) was gently inverted
and attempt was made to return the prolapsed mass in
its original position with the help of sexing probe
through the vent opening. Interrupted suture was
applied to stay the mass in the position to avoid
recurrent occurrence. An opening was kept to pass for
natural process. Daily dressing was made with the
Betadine lotion along with antibiotic Inj. Amikacin
sulphate (Inj. Amilab-500, Laborate Pharmaceuticals)
at 0.2 mg/kg I/M for 3 days (Raut et al., 2008) and
analgesic Inj. Meloxicam (Intas Pharmaceutical Ltd.,
Ahemdabad) at 0.2 mg/kg S/C for 3 days. Balanced
electrolyte solution can be given subcutaneously to
promote renal excretion of some agent and to aid in
maintaining adequate hydration (Frye, 1981). Stool
softer was also given to him. The sutures were removed
after 7 days and animal was released in the natural
habitat (Fig 3).
Acknowledgement
Authors are thankful to Add. Principal Chief
Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Goa Forest
Department for providing the necessary facilities for
carrying out research work.
References
Frye FL (1981). Biomedical and surgical aspect of
Captive Reptile Husbandry, Edwardville, K.S.
Veterinary Medicine Publishing Co., pg 148.
Hawgood BJ (1994). "The life and viper of Dr Patrick
Russell MD FRS (1727–1805): physician and
naturalist". Toxicon, 32(11): 1295-1304.
Innis C and Boyer TH (2002). Chelonian reproductive
disorders. Veterinary Clinics of North America:
Exotic Animal Practice, 5(3): 555-578.
Martinez-Jimenez D and Hernandez-Divers SJ (2007).
Emergency care of reptiles. Veterinary Clinics of
North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 10(2): 577581.
Raut PA, Sonkhusale VG, Khan LA, Nakade MK and
Bokde AM (2008). A case report of management of
snake ́s injury in captivity. Veterinary World, 1(11):
346.
Journal of Wildlife Research | April-June, 2014 | Vol 2 | Issue 2 | Pages 09-10
© 2014 Jakraya Publications (P) Ltd
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