Changes

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.  

[[Image:Boiga_dendritica_Long_hhard.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''The lung of a snake with pneumonia - A mycoplasma species has been isolated by PCR from respiratory tissue.''' © RVC]]

[[Image:Boiga_dendritica_Long_hhard.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''The lung of a snake with pneumonia - A mycoplasma species has been isolated by PCR from respiratory tissue.''' © 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.  

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.