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| ==Diagnosis== | | ==Diagnosis== |
− | The aetiology of neurological disease can be suggested by signalment. [[Inclusion Body Disease|Inclusion body disease (IBD)]] is almost always seen in [[Boidae]]. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|Ophidian paramyxovirus]] (OPMV) occurs principally in [[Viperidae]]. Hypothiaminosis is common in fish-eating snakes such as [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]]. Disorientation and sluggishness may be attributed to a wide variety of causes but may be simply caused by an inappropriate environmental temperature. [[Snake Physical Examination|Physical examination]] may rule out cases of trauma. The use of diagnostic aids may identify the cause: [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] may reveal fractures, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] may indicate an infectious cause, and serology may identify [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]]. Response to thiamine is diagnostic for [[Snake Hypothiaminosis|hypothiaminosis]]. However sometimes the aetiology is only found upon [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]]. Perivascular cuffing in CNS issue may be associated with viral infections. | + | The aetiology of neurological disease can be suggested by signalment. [[Inclusion Body Disease|Inclusion body disease (IBD)]] is almost always seen in [[Boidae]]. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|Ophidian paramyxovirus]] (OPMV) occurs principally in [[Viperidae]]. Hypothiaminosis is common in fish-eating snakes such as [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]]. Disorientation and sluggishness may be attributed to a wide variety of causes but may be simply caused by an inappropriate environmental temperature. Stargazing in very suggestive of meningoencephalitis. [[Snake Physical Examination|Physical examination]] may rule out cases of trauma. The use of diagnostic aids may identify the cause: [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] may reveal fractures, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] may indicate an infectious cause, and serology may identify [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]]. Response to thiamine is diagnostic for [[Snake Hypothiaminosis|hypothiaminosis]]. However sometimes the aetiology is only found upon [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]]. Perivascular cuffing in CNS issue may be associated with viral infections. |
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| ==Causes of neurological disease== | | ==Causes of neurological disease== |
| There are many causes of neurological disease in snakes. Here’s a brief overview. | | There are many causes of neurological disease in snakes. Here’s a brief overview. |
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− | *'''Viral''' - Two viral diseases have been reported to cause neurological problems in snakes – [[Inclusion Body Disease]] and [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OMPV]]. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]] is primarily associated with [[Snake Respiratory Disease|respiratory pathology]] but can be associated with CNS disease. The clinical significance of infection with western equine encephalitis and Venezuelan equine encephalitis is unknown. | + | *'''Viral''' - Several viral infections have been reported to cause neurological problems in snakes – including [[Inclusion Body Disease]], [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OMPV]], reovirus and lentivirus infections. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]] is primarily associated with [[Snake Respiratory Disease|respiratory pathology]] but can be associated with CNS disease. The clinical significance of infection with western equine encephalitis and Venezuelan equine encephalitis is unknown. |
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| *'''Bacterial''' - Bacterial infections, including Staphylococcus aureus and mycobacteria, have been reported to cause neurological disease and abscesses in the vertebral canal. | | *'''Bacterial''' - Bacterial infections, including Staphylococcus aureus and mycobacteria, have been reported to cause neurological disease and abscesses in the vertebral canal. |
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| '''For more information, see''' [[Snake Supportive Care]]. | | '''For more information, see''' [[Snake Supportive Care]]. |
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| + | ==Prognosis== |
| + | If the snake develops severe neurological signs such as ‘star-gazing’ prognosis is generally poor. This is because damage to nervous tissue is irreversible, as this tissue has very poor regenerative qualities. |
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| ==Prevention== | | ==Prevention== |
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| '''For further information, see''' [[Snake Feeding and Digestion]] '''and''' [[Snake Housing]]. | | '''For further information, see''' [[Snake Feeding and Digestion]] '''and''' [[Snake Housing]]. |
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| + | {{Learning |
| + | |flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 10]] |
| + | }} |
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| ==Literature Search== | | ==Literature Search== |
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| [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118385.pdf '''Neurologic examination in reptiles - Part II: Localizing neurologic dysfunction.''' Bennett, R. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1768-1769 - '''Full Text Article'''] | | [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118385.pdf '''Neurologic examination in reptiles - Part II: Localizing neurologic dysfunction.''' Bennett, R. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1768-1769 - '''Full Text Article'''] |
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| + | ==References== |
| + | Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson'' |
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| + | [[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]] |
| + | [[Category:To Do - Manson review]] |
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| [[Category:Snake_Diseases]] | | [[Category:Snake_Diseases]] |