Durban — Three dogs were reportedly blinded following an encounter with a Mozambique spitting cobra in Verulam on Wednesday.
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said three dogs were taken to a veterinarian after they were attacked by a Mozambique spitting cobra on Emerald Road in Everest Heights.
Balram said Rusa were called for help from a homeowner at 1.16pm.
He said area manager and snake catcher, Nathi Ndaba. was immediately dispatched and identified the snake as a highly venomous Mozambique spitting cobra.
“The Rusa member captured the reptile and released it into a dense bush,” Balram said.
“The three dogs were suffering from blindness following the attack.”
According to the African Snakebite Institute (ASI), the Mozambique spitting cobra is found on the eastern side of South Africa. They mostly hail from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, north-eastern Botswana, northern Namibia and northern Africa.
They eat frogs, small mammals, birds and snakes, including puff adders.
It is active on overcast days, but more active at night, often ending up in houses where people are bitten while asleep.
“This snake accounts for the majority of serious snakebite cases in southern Africa, but fatalities are rare. It also spits its venom and does not always spread a hood when doing so. The venom is potently cytotoxic causing pain, swelling, blisters and in many cases severe tissue damage. Anti-venom is effective if administered early and in large dosages,” the ASI said.
It said dogs are at risk and often get bitten when attempting to kill the snake.
The ASI said the venom is predominantly and potently cytotoxic. Symptoms include severe pain, progressive swelling, various lesions and in some cases severe tissue damage.
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