Remarkable 80-Stitch Surgery Saves Injured Cobra in Madhya Pradesh

For two hours, medical professionals worked diligently to repair the injured cobra's torn tissues and save its life.

Ujjain:

In an extraordinary rescue operation, veterinarians in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain performed a remarkable two-hour surgery requiring 80 stitches to save a severely injured cobra. The emergency procedure took place after the snake was wounded during construction activities in the Vikram Nagar Industrial Area on Tuesday night.

The cobra sustained serious injuries when it was accidentally struck by a JCB excavator during digging operations. With significant tears to its skin and severe head wounds, the bleeding reptile wandered around the construction site in distress. Frightened onlookers initially threw soil at the snake before contacting local snake rescuers Rahul and Mukul, who are known in the area for their expertise with reptiles.

Upon arrival, the rescuers carefully captured the injured cobra and transported it immediately to the veterinary hospital on Udayan Marg for emergency treatment.

At the hospital, Chief Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Mukesh Jain led a team including officers Ramkanya Gaurav, Ravi Rathore, and Prashant Parihar in assessing the snake's condition. They discovered extensive damage, with deep lacerations on its head and back, and sections where the skin had completely detached.

Recognizing the need for immediate surgical intervention, the medical team prepared specialized medication and administered mild anesthesia before beginning the intricate operation.

Throughout the two-hour procedure, the veterinarians carefully sutured the cobra's damaged skin and muscle tissue, ultimately placing 80 stitches to repair the injuries. Following the surgery, the snake's condition stabilized, and it was returned to the rescuers for post-operative care. After two more days of observation, the cobra will be released back into its natural habitat.

Dr. Jain identified the patient as a member of the Elapidae family, which encompasses various cobra species.

This compassionate rescue represents a significant departure from the common treatment of snakes, which are frequently feared and killed rather than saved.