What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Ashe’s Spitting Cobra Snake Bite
• East African Light-Bellied Brown Spitting Cobra Snake Bite
• Naja Ashei Snake Bite

What is Giant Spitting Cobra Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The giant spitting cobra (Naja ashei) is a highly venomous snake found in parts of eastern (central) Africa in the nations of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is among the largest of the spitting cobras that can spew venom to distances of over 13 feet (nearly 4 m). It belongs to the Elapidae family, which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes. This medium-bodied and sturdy reptile usually averages 5.5-7 feet in length, but some may even grow to over 9 feet
• The snake has a broad, heart-shaped head with a slightly pointed snout and medium-sized eyes. It has a medium-length tail. Like most cobras, the head and neck of this snake can spread into a long hood. The body of the giant spitting cobra is fairly homogeneous in coloration with patterned scales; it may resemble the brown cobra (Naja haje, which does not spit venom). The body base color is light grey, olive-brown, or mustard with underbelly being much paler than the dorsal surface; the throat is usually dark, and no bands are visible
• The snake inhabits the open and dry lowlands in the endemic region, tending to seek shelter inside animal burrows, soil crevices, under fallen trees, and beneath rock piles or leaf litter. These snakes are good at climbing large plants and small trees and are also found near man-made structures. The giant spitting cobra feeds on a variety of prey including birds and their eggs, small mammals and rodents, frogs and lizards, and even fish. The reptile generally hunts during evenings and nights (nocturnal) when the weather is hot; some snakes are diurnal too
• In general, spitting cobras can either spray toxic secretions (mostly cytotoxins and neurotoxins), or bite to inject the same venom when prey is within their striking range. The sprayed venom (termed toxungen) can severely damage eyes leading to irreversible blindness or result in poisoning if it falls on open wounds or when swallowed inadvertently; contact of venom with unbroken skin may result in blisters. The ability to spit venom serves as a primary defense mechanism for such snakes, enhancing their threat behavior. Only some Asiatic and African cobras exhibit this spitting feature
• Contact with humans is not uncommon, and the giant spitting cobra can be found close to areas of human habitation; it is particularly known to raid chicken coops. The cobra is typically aggressive and can strike at the slightest provocation or when cornered. Before striking, the snake may display threatening signs with its raised forebody and expanded hood. It is known to spray large quantities of venom; it can reportedly spit for several hours without exhausting its supply. The snake is also known to inject a large quantity of venom in a single bite
• Giant Spitting Cobra Snake Bites can potentially result in fatalities due to systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite), if the condition is left untreated, due to the presence of highly potent neurotoxins and cardiotoxins. The rate of envenoming is high and significant symptoms may be noted including severe local effects (pain, blistering, and tissue necrosis), flaccid paralysis, breathing trouble, shock, and rarely, kidney damage. Spitting cobras may cause more local damage and eye injury termed venom spit ophthalmia (leading to corneal erosions, infection, and permanent loss of vision)
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment that may include pain medication, eye irrigation using copious amounts of water, wound care, intravenous fluid administration, and respiratory support may be necessary. The prognosis of Giant Spitting Cobra Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; but without immediate treatment, the condition can result in permanent blindness and be lethal