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→Diagnosis
Cryptosporidiosis can be insidious and go unnoticed until pathologic changes are advanced. It is diagnosed by several methods, but often established on [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]].
Cryptosporidiosis can be insidious and go unnoticed until pathologic changes are advanced. It is diagnosed by several methods, but often established on [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]].
* Cryptosporidial oocysts (about 6 µm diameter) can be detected in faeces. Modified acid fast staining helps to detect them. Due to inconsistent shedding, four consecutive negative faecal tests are necessary to establish a Cryptosporidium-free snake.
* Cryptosporidial oocysts (about 6 µm diameter) can be detected in faeces. Modified acid fast staining helps to detect them. Due to inconsistent shedding, four consecutive negative faecal tests are necessary to establish a ''Cryptosporidium''-free snake.
* Samples for microscopy may be collected by stomach wash. Cryptosporidia may sometimes be seen in the mucous of regurgitated food.
* Samples for microscopy may be collected by stomach wash. ''Cryptosporidia'' may sometimes be seen in the mucous of regurgitated food.
* [[ELISA testing|ELISA]] detectable Cryptosporidium-specific antibody titres are available but are not necessarily specific for C. serpentis.
* [[ELISA testing|ELISA]] detectable ''Cryptosporidium''-specific antibody titres are available but are not necessarily specific for C. serpentis.
* Histopathology can establish a positive diagnosis from endoscopic biopsy or surgical biopsy. Negative histology does not rule out cryptosporidiosis because of the non-uniform distribution of cryptosporidia.
* Histopathology can establish a positive diagnosis from endoscopic biopsy or surgical biopsy. Negative histology does not rule out cryptosporidiosis because of the non-uniform distribution of ''Cryptosporidia''.
'''For more information on diagnostics, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation|Specimen Collection and Evaluation]].
'''For more information on diagnostics, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation|Specimen Collection and Evaluation]].
[[Image:Clinical_cryptosporidiosis_snow_corn_snake.jpg|300px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:Clinical_cryptosporidiosis_snow_corn_snake.jpg|300px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]
==Therapy==
==Therapy==
Treatment can be supportive but death usually occurs from a few months to a year after the clinical signs are first noticed. Treatment with immunoglobulins may be helpful. [[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|Euthanasia]] may be the most realistic option. If not, strict [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] of any infected snakes is very important to stop the spread of infection. Disinfection of contaminated areas can be carried out with 5% ammonia or 10% formalin. Hypochlorite at 3% is not effective.
Treatment can be supportive but death usually occurs from a few months to a year after the clinical signs are first noticed. Treatment with immunoglobulins may be helpful. [[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|Euthanasia]] may be the most realistic option. If not, strict [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] of any infected snakes is very important to stop the spread of infection. Disinfection of contaminated areas can be carried out with 5% ammonia or 10% formalin. Hypochlorite at 3% is not effective.