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[[Image:Boid_inclusion_body_dis._rbc_inclusions.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Inclusion bodies''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:Boid_inclusion_body_dis._rbc_inclusions.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Inclusion bodies''' © RVC]]
==Species predisposition==
==Species predisposition==
Inclusion body disease is seen in [[Boidae]]. Previously the most commonly affected species was [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]] but the disease is now most often seen in [[Boa constrictor|Boa constrictors]]. It appears to be relatively uncommon in [[Royal Python|royal pythons]] and has not been reported in [[Rosy boa|Rosy boas]]. The occurrence of the disease in non-boids cannot be ruled out since typical signs and lesions have been reported in a [[Kingsnake|kingsnake]]. IBD is primarily seen in adult snakes, however all age groups should be considered susceptible. Young snakes tend to develop an acute infection with a mortality rate approaching 100%. Infected adult snakes often experience the disease in a more chronic and debilitating form.
Inclusion body disease is seen in [[Boidae]]. Previously the most commonly affected species was [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]] but the disease is now most often seen in [[Boa constrictor|Boa constrictors]]. It appears to be relatively uncommon in [[Royal Python|royal pythons]] and has not been reported in [[Rosy boa|Rosy boas]]. The occurrence of the disease in non-boids cannot be ruled out since typical signs and lesions have been reported in a [[Kingsnake|kingsnake]]. IBD is primarily seen in adult snakes, however all age groups should be considered susceptible. Young snakes tend to develop an acute infection with a mortality rate approaching 100%. Infected adult snakes often experience the disease in a more chronic and debilitating form.
Inclusion body disease (IBD) is a worldwide disease of [[Boidae]] and is named for the characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions seen in the cells of affected snakes. The causative agent of has not been identified although a Retroviridae-like virus has been incriminated.
Inclusion body disease (IBD) is a worldwide disease of [[Boidae]] and is named for the characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions seen in the cells of affected snakes. The causative agent of has not been identified although a Retroviridae-like virus has been incriminated.
==Examination==
==Examination==
[[Image:CNS_IBD.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''CNS derangement in [[Burmese Python|Burmese python]]''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:CNS_IBD.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''CNS derangement in [[Burmese Python|Burmese python]]''' © RVC]]
Classically [[Pythoninae|pythons]] developed acute CNS signs and boas presented with regurgitation. In fact clinical signs are very variable among species and individuals and may related to secondary bacterial infections in immunosuppressed boids.
Classically [[Pythoninae|pythons]] developed acute CNS signs and boas presented with regurgitation. In fact clinical signs are very variable among species and individuals and may related to secondary bacterial infections in immunosuppressed boids.
'''For more information on physical examination of a snake, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].
'''For more information on physical examination of a snake, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
[[Image:BOID_INCLUS._BODY_DIS._GASTRIC_MUCOSAL_INCLUSIONS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Gastric mucosal inclusions''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:BOID_INCLUS._BODY_DIS._GASTRIC_MUCOSAL_INCLUSIONS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Gastric mucosal inclusions'''© RVC]]
Since IBD presents with a variety of signs, any sick boid without an obvious aetiology should be suspected of IBD. Especially consider those with regurgitation, CNS signs and bacterial infections. A thorough [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]] may rule our other causes. Currently there is no serologic assay available for determining exposure. Diagnostic aids include the following:
Since IBD presents with a variety of signs, any sick boid without an obvious aetiology should be suspected of IBD. Especially consider those with regurgitation, CNS signs and bacterial infections. A thorough [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]] may rule our other causes. Currently there is no serologic assay available for determining exposure. Diagnostic aids include the following:
===Blood===
===Blood===
Blood examination may be helpful. [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|Haematology]] may show a leukocytosis with a lymphocytosis. The white blood cell count is variable, ranging from normal (immune system depression) to as high as 100,000. The leucocytes may show toxic changes. Smears are observed for the presence of inclusion bodies. Typically 1% of cells have the inclusion bodies so it is worthwhile doing a buffy coat smear. Biochemistry may show changes in liver parameters.
Blood examination may be helpful. [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|Haematology]] may show a leukocytosis with a lymphocytosis. The white blood cell count is variable, ranging from normal (immune system depression) to as high as 100,000. The leucocytes may show toxic changes. Smears are observed for the presence of inclusion bodies. Typically 1% of cells have the inclusion bodies so it is worthwhile doing a buffy coat smear. Biochemistry may show changes in liver parameters.
[[Image:0087-D_SnN-011-D.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Note thick mucus filling the lung''' (© Dr. Oscar Razioli)]]
[[Image:0087-D_SnN-011-D.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Note thick mucus filling the lung''' © Dr. Oscar Razioli]]
===Biopsy and histology===
===Biopsy and histology===
Tissues for biopsy include oesophageal tonsils, liver, kidney and gastric mucosa. The presence of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies on histology is diagnostic for IBD. Sometimes very few inclusions are seen so absence of inclusions does not rule out the disease. For antemortem diagnosis biopsies may have be repeated several times to find inclusions. Characteristic histopathology may be seen in several tissues.
Tissues for biopsy include oesophageal tonsils, liver, kidney and gastric mucosa. The presence of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies on histology is diagnostic for IBD. Sometimes very few inclusions are seen so absence of inclusions does not rule out the disease. For antemortem diagnosis biopsies may have be repeated several times to find inclusions. Characteristic histopathology may be seen in several tissues.