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The physical examination involves observation of the snake, taking measurements and a thorough methodical area by area examination. Many techniques are similar to other animals, but before examining the snake ask the owner if it is accustomed to being handled. [[Snake Handling and Restraint|See here]] for information on handling and restraint of snakes. A veterinarian who is inexperienced with reptiles may be likely to focus on the presenting signs but then can end up treating exclusively the secondary problems. Stomatitis and rectal prolapse are secondary conditions where a full examination with husbandry review, including [[Snake Housing|housing]] and [[Snake Feeding|nutrition]], is vital in determining the principal problem.
The physical examination involves observation of the snake, taking measurements and a thorough methodical area by area examination. Many techniques are similar to other animals, but before examining the snake ask the owner if it is accustomed to being handled. [[Snake Handling and Restraint|See here]] for information on handling and restraint of snakes. A veterinarian who is inexperienced with reptiles may be likely to focus on the presenting signs but then can end up treating exclusively the secondary problems. Stomatitis and rectal prolapse are secondary conditions where a full examination with husbandry review, including [[Snake Housing|housing]] and [[Snake Feeding|nutrition]], is vital in determining the principal problem.
==Observation==
==Observation==
Snakes should have active [[Snake Special Senses|tongues]] that are sampling scent particles in the atmosphere (see [[Jacobsons Organ|Jacobson's organ]]). Normal movement should be observed although allowances must be made for any chilling effect in transit since this will reduce the patient's metabolism and give a misleading impression of lethargy and lack of strength. A healthy snake will have adequate muscle tone and grip the clinician's hands. There will be a level of activity befitting the particular species. A sick snake usually remains limp. The righting reflex should be tested since poor reactions can be a result of weakness and not necessarily neurological disease. [[Snake Neurological System|Neurological function]] can be assessed by checking head position, body posture, cloacal tone and righting reflexes. [[Snake Respiratory System|Respiration]], including rib movements and any sounds produced should be noted.
Snakes should have active [[Snake Special Senses|tongues]] that are sampling scent particles in the atmosphere (see [[Jacobsons organ|Jacobson's organ]]). Normal movement should be observed although allowances must be made for any chilling effect in transit since this will reduce the patient's metabolism and give a misleading impression of lethargy and lack of strength. A healthy snake will have adequate muscle tone and grip the clinician's hands. There will be a level of activity befitting the particular species. A sick snake usually remains limp. The righting reflex should be tested since poor reactions can be a result of weakness and not necessarily neurological disease. [[Snake Neurological System|Neurological function]] can be assessed by checking head position, body posture, cloacal tone and righting reflexes. [[Snake Respiratory System|Respiration]], including rib movements and any sounds produced should be noted.
==Organ positions==
==Organ positions==
The organisation of internal structures varies between snake families and genera. However it is important to know the approximate position of the organs during a physical examination. The following is a generalisation if the snake's body is divided into thirds from snout to vent:
The organisation of internal structures varies between snake families and genera. However it is important to know the approximate position of the organs during a physical examination. The following is a generalisation if the snake's body is divided into thirds from snout to vent:
*'''Cranial third''' - contains the trachea, oesophagus and heart
*'''Cranial third''' - contains the trachea, oesophagus and heart.
*'''Middle third''' - contains the liver, lung and stomach
*'''Middle third''' - contains the liver, lung and stomach.
*'''Caudal third''' - contains the small intestine, the triad of pancreas, spleen and gallbladder, the adrenal glands, large intestine, gonads, [[Snake Reproductive System|reproductive tract]], kidneys, fat body and [[Cloaca|cloaca]]. Behind the [[Vent|vent]] are the musk and, if the snake is a male, the [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]].
*'''Caudal third''' - contains the small intestine, the triad of pancreas, spleen and gallbladder, the adrenal glands, large intestine, gonads, reproductive tract, kidneys, fat body and [[Cloaca|cloaca]]. Behind the [[Vent|vent]] are the musk and, if the snake is a male, the [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]].
*Find out more about snake anatomy in sections covering the [[Snake Digestive System|digestive]], [[Snake Respiratory System|respiratory]] and [[Snake Reproductive System|reproductive]] systems.
==Skin==
==Skin==
[[Image:0051_BLISTER_DISEASE_PYTHON_ed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Blisters on skin''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:0051_BLISTER_DISEASE_PYTHON_ed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Blisters on skin''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
Check the general appearance of the skin. The skin should be bright and shiny. Assess elasticity and skin tenting. Dehydrated snakes show outwardly directed folds of skin and [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]]. Examine the skin both dorsally and ventrally for retained shed, blisters, pustules, burns, discharges, erythema, pettechi, ulcers, loss of scales, lacerations and swellings. Examine for ectoparasites, especially [[Snake Mites|mites]] that tend to hide under scales of the skin. Brushing the body of the snake over a white sheet may be helpful in checking for mites. The snake's body can be palpated by simply moving the hand, both dorsally and ventrally, down its length. Identify any [[Snake Lumps and Bumps|masses and swellings]] under the skin. Subcutaneous lumps are usually due to abscesses but neoplasia and the second-stage cysts of cestodes can also be encountered in snakes.
Check the general appearance of the skin. The skin should be bright and shiny. Assess elasticity and skin tenting. Dehydrated snakes show outwardly directed folds of skin and [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]]. Examine the skin both dorsally and ventrally for retained shed, blisters, pustules, burns, discharges, erythema, pettechi, ulcers, loss of scales, lacerations and swellings. Examine for ectoparasites, especially [[Snake Mites|mites]] that tend to hide under scales of the skin. Brushing the body of the snake over a white sheet may be helpful in checking for mites. The snake's body can be palpated by simply moving the hand, both dorsally and ventrally, down its length. Identify any [[Snake Lumps and Bumps|masses and swellings]] under the skin. Subcutaneous lumps are usually due to abscesses but neoplasia and the second-stage cysts of cestodes can also be encountered in snakes.
Find out more about [[Snake Skin|snake skin]]
Find out more about [[Snake Skin|snake skin]].
Find out more about [[Snake Skin Diseases|snake skin diseases]]
Find out more about [[Snake Skin Diseases|snake skin diseases]].
[[Image:Boa_with_dys_ed.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Dysecdysis''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:Boa_with_dys_ed.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Dysecdysis''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
===Shedding===
===Shedding===