Neurotoxic Cobra Envenomation in a Dog and its treatment with Anticholinesterase and Artificial ventilation

A two-year-old male Labrador was presented with cobra bite. Soon after arrival, the dog developed general muscular weakness and respiratory muscle paralysis. Manual artificial ventilation was initiated immediately and maintained, to support the life of the dog. Polyvalent antivenom could be administered only after three-and-a-half hours, because of not available in nearby vicinity. Muscular paralysis prevailed even after administering two vials of antivenom. Two doses of anticholinesterase drug were then given and the dog regained normal spontaneous muscular activity. The life of the dog was thus supported on manual artificial ventilation for 8½ hrs and anticholinesterase was found effective in reversing the respiratory muscle paralysis. To conclude, antivenom administration alone should not be relied upon in cases of cobra envenomation in dogs. Artificial ventilation should be employed to support the life when there is delay in administering antivenom and anticholinesterase drug should be given to reverse the respiratory muscle paralysis.