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[[Image:Steth_crop.jpg|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:Steth_crop.jpg|260px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
The physical examination involves observation of the snake, taking measurements and a thorough methodical area by area examination. Many techniques are similar to other animals, but before examining the snake ask the owner if it is accustomed to being handled. [[Snake Handling and Restraint|See here]] for information on handling and restraint of snakes. A veterinarian who is inexperienced with reptiles may be likely to focus on the presenting signs but then can end up treating exclusively the secondary problems. Stomatitis and rectal prolapse are secondary conditions where a full examination with husbandry review, including [[Snake Housing|housing]] and [[Snake feeding|nutrition]], is vital in determining the principal problem.
The physical examination involves observation of the snake, taking measurements and a thorough methodical area by area examination. Many techniques are similar to other animals, but before examining the snake ask the owner if it is accustomed to being handled. [[Snake Handling and Restraint|See here]] for information on handling and restraint of snakes. A veterinarian who is inexperienced with reptiles may be likely to focus on the presenting signs but then can end up treating exclusively the secondary problems. Stomatitis and rectal prolapse are secondary conditions where a full examination with husbandry review, including [[Snake Housing|housing]] and [[Snake feeding|nutrition]], is vital in determining the principal problem.
Weight of the snake should be taken at every examination, as should snout-vent lengths. Obese snakes have increased fat deposition on the last third of the body before the cloaca. Cachectic snakes with significant loss of muscle mass show a prominant dorsal spine and ribs, and the body shape looks more triangular in cross section.
Weight of the snake should be taken at every examination, as should snout-vent lengths. Obese snakes have increased fat deposition on the last third of the body before the cloaca. Cachectic snakes with significant loss of muscle mass show a prominant dorsal spine and ribs, and the body shape looks more triangular in cross section.
==Skin==
==Skin==
[[Image:0051_BLISTER_DISEASE_PYTHON_ed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Blisters on skin'''©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:0051_BLISTER_DISEASE_PYTHON_ed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Blisters on skin''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
Examine under a bright light and with a hand lens if necessary.
Examine under a bright light and with a hand lens if necessary.
Find out more about [[Snake Skin Diseases|snake skin diseases]]
Find out more about [[Snake Skin Diseases|snake skin diseases]]
[[Image:Boa_with_dys_ed.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Dysecdysis'''©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:Boa_with_dys_ed.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Dysecdysis''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
===Shedding===
===Shedding===
Ecdysis (shedding) generally takes place every 14 days although this is dependent on many variables such as environment, age and size of snake. Snakes shed their entire skin in one piece, including the spectacles, although large snakes greater than 3m in length may shed their skin in incomplete sections. Prior to ecdydsis, a snake will become anorectic and handling may be hazardous to the animal at this time if the underlying epidermis is damaged.
Ecdysis (shedding) generally takes place every 14 days although this is dependent on many variables such as environment, age and size of snake. Snakes shed their entire skin in one piece, including the spectacles, although large snakes greater than 3m in length may shed their skin in incomplete sections. Prior to ecdydsis, a snake will become anorectic and handling may be hazardous to the animal at this time if the underlying epidermis is damaged.
* Other diagnostic tools, such as tonometry (measurement of the intraocular pressure), stains, cytology, bacteriology, histopathology and electron microscopy, in addition to routine diagnostic tools (haemotology, biochemistry, radiology and ultrasound) can also be used to detect an ocular disease or underlying problem in snakes.
* Other diagnostic tools, such as tonometry (measurement of the intraocular pressure), stains, cytology, bacteriology, histopathology and electron microscopy, in addition to routine diagnostic tools (haemotology, biochemistry, radiology and ultrasound) can also be used to detect an ocular disease or underlying problem in snakes.
*Retained spectacles are a concern. They should be clear with no signs of subspectacluar disease.
*Retained spectacles are a concern. They should be clear with no signs of subspectacluar disease.
[[Image:Boa_stomatitis_ed.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Ulcerative stomatitis'''©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:Boa_stomatitis_ed.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Ulcerative stomatitis''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
===Oral cavity===
===Oral cavity===
*The oral cavity should be opened using a soft, pliable speculum
*The oral cavity should be opened using a soft, pliable speculum