[Snakebite---intoxication by cobra venom]

A private reptile breeder who handled exotic snakes was bitten by a Cobra near his ear. An ambulance was immediately called and the patient was transferred under unstable hemodynamic conditions to the nearest major hospital. During transport the patient had to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In the hospital, his status again deteriorated and he was intubated at a Glasgow coma scale of 5 and vasoactive medications were given. The patient was transferred by helicopter to a university hospital, where several doses of antivenom were given. After 4 days of deep coma the patient regained consciousness and spontaneous respiration and was extubated. Around the location of the bite wound angioedema and local necrosis developed. Surgical treatment of the wound was not necessary and 8 days after the incident the patient was fully recovered and was discharged from the hospital.