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[[Image:Lizard_stand.jpg|400px|thumb|right|'''History taking forms an essential part of the clinical examination''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Lizard_stand.jpg|400px|thumb|right|'''History taking forms an essential part of the clinical examination''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

 

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

History taking and physical evaluation require a methodical approach. They are the basis for the differential diagnosis list, the selection of diagnostic aids and form the foundation for treatment. The diagnostic workup in an unfamiliar species such as a snake or lizard will hopefully present no problems to the clinician experienced with other animals.

History taking and physical evaluation require a methodical approach. They are the basis for the differential diagnosis list, the selection of diagnostic aids and form the foundation for treatment. The diagnostic workup in an unfamiliar species such as a snake or lizard will hopefully present no problems to the clinician experienced with other animals.

[[Lizard Physical Examination|See here]] for information on physical examination of lizards.

*'''For information on conducting a physical examination of a lizard, see [[Lizard Physical Examination|here]].'''

*'''For information on conducting a physical examination of a snake, see [[Snake Physical Examination|here]].'''

==History taking==

==History taking==

A thorough history is an essential part of the clinical examination since most problems are related to inappropriate husbandry. History taking has four parts - '''signalment, husbandry evaluation, patient health review''' and the '''presenting complaint.'''

A thorough history is an essential part of the clinical examination since most problems are related to inappropriate husbandry. History taking has four parts: '''signalment, husbandry evaluation, patient health review''' and '''presenting complaint.'''

Clients should be given helpful instructions when making an appointment.

Clients should be given helpful instructions when making an appointment.

*Clients should be encouraged to keep records: food intake, slough dates, weights and measurements.

*Clients should be encouraged to keep records: food intake, slough dates, weights and measurements.

*Clients should bring in any records and photos (or videotape!) of the snake's enclosure

*Clients should bring in any records and photos (or videotape!) of the snake's enclosure.

*A history form should be completed by the client (and reviewed by the clinician) prior to the appointment

*A history form should be completed by the client (and reviewed by the clinician) prior to the appointment.

*The client should be encouraged to obtain a fresh faecal sample. This can be brought to the clinic prior to or at the time of the physical examination

*The client should be encouraged to obtain a fresh faecal sample. This can be brought to the clinic prior to or at the time of the physical examination.

*Advise that snakes are best transported in an insulated, warm, dark, secure box or bag rather than wrapped around their shoulders (some other clients will find this amusing but many will be very alarmed and worried for their Yorkshire terriers)

*Advise that snakes are best transported in an insulated, warm, dark, secure box or bag rather than wrapped around their shoulders (some other clients will find this amusing but many will be very alarmed and worried for their Yorkshire terriers).

 

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

As with any animal, obtaining the following information is essential:

As with any animal, obtaining the following information is essential:

*Diet – as precise as possible

*Diet – as precise as possible

*Cleaning – method and how often

*Cleaning – method and how often

*Handling - how often and how long e.g. each day for half an hour

*Handling - how often and how long (e.g. each day for half an hour)

*Checking the reptile – how often

*Checking the reptile – how often

*Records kept

*Records kept

*Recent changes in household

*Recent changes in household

==Patient health review==

==Patient health review==

===Behaviour===

===Behaviour===

Is the reptile

Is the reptile ...

*showing normal activity?

*showing normal activity?

*restless?

*restless?

*spending more time in the basking area than expected?

*spending more time in the basking area than expected?

*having prolonged soakings in water bowl?

*having prolonged soakings in water bowl?

===Food and water===

===Food and water===

*Has food intake dropped off?

*Has food intake dropped off?

*Has there been any regurgitation of food?

*Has there been any regurgitation of food?

===Faecal and urate production===

===Faecal and urate production===

*Has there been any change in the amount, appearance or consistency of faeces (e.g. less or more in total volume, smaller, harder or drier?

*Has there been any change in the amount, appearance or consistency of faeces (e.g. less or more in total volume, smaller, harder or drier)?

*The following descriptions may be helpful for the owner: hard, soft, loose, watery, mucousy, bloody, bad odour, black, green, substrate present, hair/feathers present

*The following descriptions may be helpful for the owner: hard, soft, loose, watery, mucousy, bloody, bad odour, black, green, substrate present, hair/feathers present.

*What is the frequency of defaecation?

*What is the frequency of defaecation?

*When was the last faecal examination performed and what were the results?

*When was the last faecal examination performed and what were the results?

*Has there been any change in the amount, appearance or consistency of the urates? (e.g. less/more in volume, thicker, more viscous)

*Has there been any change in the amount, appearance or consistency of the urates (e.g. less/more in volume, thicker, more viscous)?

 

===Breathing===

===Breathing===

*The following descriptions may be used: normal, abnormal, noisy, nasal discharge, squeaks, fast, sneezing, laboured, choking

*The following descriptions may be used: normal, abnormal, noisy, nasal discharge, squeaks, fast, sneezing, laboured, choking.

 

==Presenting complaint==

==Presenting complaint==

Obtain the following:

Obtain the following:

*Has anyone already given you any advice?

*Has anyone already given you any advice?

*Has there been any medication given prior to presentation? The prior use of medication, including parasiticides, should be ascertained.

*Has there been any medication given prior to presentation? The prior use of medication, including parasiticides, should be ascertained.

[[Category:Lizard_Diagnostics|H]]

 

 

 

 

[[Category:Lizard_Examination|A]]

[[Category:Snake_Examination|A]]