Palm Desert Vet Saves Injured Rattlesnake, Uses Viral Surgery Video to Raise Awareness

With summer heat rising, so are rattlesnake sightings—and so is awareness, thanks to one veterinarian’s compassionate and unusual mission. Dr. David Jefferey of El Paseo Animal Hospital in Palm Desert recently made headlines after performing surgery on an injured wild rattlesnake. The snake, now named Lazarus, was found wounded in the High Desert after what appeared to be an animal attack.

In a now viral video, Dr. Jefferey and his team are seen carefully stitching up the snake’s mouth and inserting a feeding tube to aid its recovery. The footage has captured the attention of more than 100,000 viewers online, sparking both admiration and education.

Dr. Jefferey says the attention offers a chance to emphasize safety as rattlesnake season peaks. He advises residents to stay alert on trails, keep pets leashed, and seek immediate medical help in the event of a bite. While many fear these snakes, he reminds the public they are vital to the ecosystem and deserve respect—not harm.

As for Lazarus, he’s now on the mend and is expected to be released once fully recovered. Dr. Jefferey’s work proves that every creature—even those with fangs—deserves a fighting chance.