Occurrence of Porocephalus crotali in lung tissue of an Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa): A case report

Abstract

A rescued Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa) of 8 feet long was presented to Animal Rahat with no history of beating/getting injured an accident with symptoms of twisting of neck with little activity. This was treated symptomatically and get x-ray done which revealed worms like structures in the first one third part of snake and snake did not respond to treatment & died. Dissection of lungs showed live cylindrical worms and their mouth part which were embedded in lung tissues. These worms were separated from lung tissue and ulcers like lesions were caused on the lung tissue where the worm’s mouth part was inserted. These worms were identified as Porocephalus crotali.