The urutu (Bothrops alternatus) belongs to the Viperidae family and to the subfamily of venomous vipers, the Crotalinae. As with all other species the urutu is also susceptible to ophidian accidents. This is a case report of an urutu snake brought to the veterinary hospital with an injured spectacle. According to the clinical history, this lesion was caused by the attack of another snake of the same genus about 30 days earlier. Ophthalmic examination revealed a crust overlaying cheesy exudates just in the subspectacle space. After removal of these from the eye, an endophthalmitis was discovered. Enucleation of the affected ocular globe was performed allowing full recovery of the animal. Poisonous animals are difficult to handle, and I are important limitation to managements that require prolonged and multiple treatments throughout the day. Hence, in such cases, the preference for radical surgical procedures might be justifiable.
snake; ophthalmology; uveitis; enucleation
