Changes

Respiratory disease is common in snakes and respiratory signs are common presenting complaints. Pneumonia has a multifactorial aetiology including poor husbandry and infectious agents, usually Gram-negative bacteria.

Respiratory disease is common in snakes and respiratory signs are common presenting complaints. Pneumonia has a multifactorial aetiology including poor husbandry and infectious agents, usually Gram-negative bacteria.

'''For more information, see''' [[Snake Respiratory System]] '''and''' [[Lizard and Snake Respiration|Snake Respiration]].

'''For more information, see''' [[Snake Respiratory System|respiratory anatomy]] '''or''' [[Lizard and Snake Respiration|physiology]].

 

==Examination==

==Examination==

History usually reveals inappropriate husbandry practices.  Snakes with pneumonia will most often be presented when the disease is quite advanced. On [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]] dyspnoea may be seen. The respiration rate is generally elevated with exaggerated respiratory movements. Open-mouthed breathing is associated with serious pulmonary disease. A glottal discharge may be present as exudate moves from the lungs. The presence of nasal discharge is common with upper respiratory disease. On auscultation râles may be heard.  

History usually reveals inappropriate husbandry practices.  Snakes with pneumonia will most often be presented when the disease is quite advanced. On [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]] dyspnoea may be seen. The respiration rate is generally elevated with exaggerated respiratory movements. Open-mouthed breathing is associated with serious pulmonary disease. A glottal discharge may be present as exudate moves from the lungs. The presence of nasal discharge is common with upper respiratory disease. On auscultation râles may be heard.