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Diagnostic aids that are used routinely with more familiar domestic animals are also applicable to lizards and snakes. Those commonly available in veterinary practice include faecal examination, microbiology, cytology, haematology and biochemistry, radiography and biopsy.  This section will cover specimen collection and interpretation.

Diagnostic aids that are used routinely with more familiar domestic animals are also applicable to lizards and snakes. Those commonly available in veterinary practice include faecal examination, microbiology, cytology, haematology and biochemistry, [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] and biopsy.  This section will cover specimen collection and interpretation.

[[Image:Culture_copy.jpg|250px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Culture_copy.jpg|250px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

==Colonic wash==

==Colonic wash==

A lubricated catheter with an attached syringe is gently inserted through the vent. The catheter should pass easily into the colon and if resistance is met it is pushing against the dorsal wall of the cloaca. Up to approximately 10ml/kg of sterile saline is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration.

A lubricated catheter with an attached syringe is gently inserted through the vent. The catheter should pass easily into the colon and if resistance is met it is pushing against the dorsal wall of the cloaca. Up to approximately 10ml/kg of sterile saline is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration. Learn about digestion in [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|lizards]] and [[Snake Digestive System|snakes]]

==Faecal evaluation==

==Faecal evaluation==

Evaluation of the faeces for protozoa, amoeba and nematodes is considered part of a minimum database for lizards. Most reptiles defecate infrequently, especially if they have been ill and anorexic. Faeces can be obtained by i) collection of normally voided faeces, ii) bathing to stimulate defecation and iii) colonic wash. (The rectum is quite distensible. A lubricated large gauge tube is inserted into the colon through the vent and approximately 10 ml/kg of sterile water is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration.)

Evaluation of the faeces for protozoa, amoeba and nematodes is considered part of a minimum database for lizards. Most reptiles defecate infrequently, especially if they have been ill and anorexic. Faeces can be obtained by i) collection of normally voided faeces, ii) bathing to stimulate defecation and iii) colonic wash - the rectum is quite distensible. A lubricated large gauge tube is inserted into the colon through the vent and approximately 10 ml/kg of sterile water is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration.

===Sedimentation===

===Sedimentation===

The sediment can be examined after a faecal sample is centrifuged.

The sediment can be examined after a faecal sample is centrifuged.

Stomach washings can be obtained for preparation of wet mounts, cytology and microbiology. A lubricated catheter is introduced into the stomach via the oesophagus and sterile saline is injected. The stomach is massaged and the fluid is then withdrawn. The specimen can be concentrated by centifuging. Gastric lavage is commonly used in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.

Stomach washings can be obtained for preparation of wet mounts, cytology and microbiology. A lubricated catheter is introduced into the stomach via the oesophagus and sterile saline is injected. The stomach is massaged and the fluid is then withdrawn. The specimen can be concentrated by centifuging. Gastric lavage is commonly used in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.

[[Image:Spinal_needle.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Spinal needle used for bone marrow sampling''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Spinal_needle.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Spinal needle used for bone marrow sampling''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Category:Lizard and Snake Diagnostics]]

[[Category:Lizard and Snake Diagnostics]]

[[Category:Lizard_Specimen_Collection]]

[[Category:Lizard_Specimen_Collection]]