Changes

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 sample 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.