Changes

[[Image:Boiga_dendritica_Long_hhard.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''The lung of a snake with pneumonia''' - (Copyright © RVC)]]

[[Image:Boiga_dendritica_Long_hhard.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''The lung of a snake with pneumonia''' - (Copyright © RVC)]]

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis of pneumonia is based on [[Lizard and Snake Taking a History|history]], [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]] and [[:Category: Snake Diagnostics|diagnostic aids]]. [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|Radiography]] is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of pneumonia. Lateral and dorsoventral views should be included. The pulmonary tissue normally has a delicate reticular pattern that is progressively lost caudally. Changes may be diffuse or regionalised.  Samples for microbiology may be collected by glottal swabs, tracheal washes or endoscope. Cytology, gram stain and bacterial/fungal culture may help define the aetiology. Biopsy of lung tissue for histology may be diagnostic. A mycoplasma species has been isolated by PCR from respiratory tissue.

Diagnosis of pneumonia is based on [[Lizard and Snake Taking a History|history]], [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]] and [[:Category: Snake Diagnostics|diagnostic aids]]. [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|Radiography]] is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of pneumonia. Lateral and dorsoventral views should be included. The pulmonary tissue normally has a delicate reticular pattern that is progressively lost caudally. Changes may be diffuse or regionalised.  Samples for microbiology may be collected by glottal swabs, tracheal washes or endoscope. Cytology, gram stain and bacterial/fungal culture may help define the aetiology. Biopsy of lung tissue for histology may be diagnostic.  

 

'''For more information, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]], [[Lizard and Snake Imaging]] '''and''' [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation]].

==Therapy==

==Therapy==

A large percentage of respiratory disease has a bacterial component. Treatment should be based on culture and sensitivity but since respiratory disease is usually well advanced by the time of presentation antibiotics should be commenced immediately. Enrofloxacin is a suitable antibiotic. Nebulisation may be helpful. Non-bacterial infections occur and therapy if possible should be aetiology-specific.  Supportive treatment is extremely important. Keep all snakes within the upper end of their [[POTZ]]. Fluid therapy and nutritional support are important but force-feeding should not stress the snake. Water-soluble vitamins may help.

A large percentage of respiratory disease has a bacterial component. Treatment should be based on culture and sensitivity but since respiratory disease is usually well advanced by the time of presentation antibiotics should be commenced immediately. Enrofloxacin is a suitable antibiotic. Nebulisation may be helpful. Non-bacterial infections occur and therapy if possible should be aetiology-specific.  Supportive treatment is extremely important. Keep all snakes within the upper end of their [[POTZ]]. Fluid therapy and nutritional support are important but force-feeding should not stress the snake. Water-soluble vitamins may help.