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[[Image:Stomatitis_ed.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Careful examination of the mouth is necessary since lesions may not be extensive''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Stomatitis_ed.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Careful examination of the mouth is necessary since lesions may not be extensive''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

==Upper alimentary tract disease==

==Upper alimentary tract disease==  

Upper alimentary tract disease (UATD) is any pathological condition affecting the oral cavity, pharynx or oesophagus.

Upper alimentary tract disease (UATD) is any pathological condition affecting the oral cavity, pharynx or oesophagus.

==Stomatitis==

==Stomatitis==

==Examination==

==Examination==

Clinical signs of stomatitis are excessive salivation, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Initial lesions are gingival petechiation which develop to oedema and ulceration with the presence of caseous material. Other associated problems include osteomyelitis around the teeth, haematogenous spread to other parts of the body, lower respiratory tract disease and a distended subspectacular space from blocked nasolacrimal ducts.   

Clinical signs of stomatitis are excessive salivation, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Initial lesions are gingival petechiation which develop to oedema and ulceration with the presence of caseous material. Other associated problems include osteomyelitis around the teeth, haematogenous spread to other parts of the body, lower respiratory tract disease and a distended subspectacular space from blocked nasolacrimal ducts.   

[[Image:Boa_stomatitis_ed.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Ulcerative stomatitis in a Boa constrictor''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Boa_stomatitis_ed.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Ulcerative stomatitis in a Boa constrictor''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Stomatitis is usually not confused with other diseases in lizards and snakes and is diagnosed on physical examination.  Diagnostic aids are necessary to ascertain the aetiology. The initial step is sampling of the affected area, preferably by biopsy, for bacteriology. This sample can also be submitted for fungal culture. All oral masses should be biopsied and cultured.  Radiology is useful to determine bony involvement.

Stomatitis is usually not confused with other diseases in lizards and snakes and is diagnosed on physical examination.  Diagnostic aids are necessary to ascertain the aetiology. The initial step is sampling of the affected area, preferably by biopsy, for bacteriology. This sample can also be submitted for fungal culture. All oral masses should be biopsied and cultured.  Radiology is useful to determine bony involvement.