Difference between revisions of "Inclusion Body Disease"
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==Species predisposition== | ==Species predisposition== | ||
[[Image:CNS_IBD.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''CNS derangement in [[Burmese Python|Burmese python]]''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]] | [[Image:CNS_IBD.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''CNS derangement in [[Burmese Python|Burmese python]]''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]] | ||
− | Inclusion body disease is seen in [[Boidae]]. Previously the most commonly affected species was [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]] but the disease is now most often seen in [[Boa constrictor| | + | Inclusion body disease is seen in [[Boidae]]. Previously the most commonly affected species was [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]] but the disease is now most often seen in [[Boa constrictor|Boa constrictors]]. It appears to be relatively uncommon in [[Royal Python|royal pythons]] and has not been reported in [[Rosy boa|Rosy boas]]. The occurrence of the disease in non-boids cannot be ruled out since typical signs and lesions have been reported in a [[Kingsnake|kingsnake]]. IBD is primarily seen in adult snakes, however all age groups should be considered susceptible. |
Inclusion body disease (IBD) is a worldwide disease of [[Boidae]] and is named for the characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions seen in the cells of affected snakes. The causative agent of has not been identified although a Retroviridae-like virus has been incriminated. | Inclusion body disease (IBD) is a worldwide disease of [[Boidae]] and is named for the characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions seen in the cells of affected snakes. The causative agent of has not been identified although a Retroviridae-like virus has been incriminated. | ||
==Examination== | ==Examination== | ||
− | Classically pythons developed acute CNS signs and boas presented with regurgitation. In fact clinical signs are very variable and may related to secondary bacterial infections in immunosuppressed boids. Common clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, weight loss or lack of weight gain, pale oral mucous membranes, CNS problems (incoordination, disorientation, slow to loss of righting reflexes, head tremors, opisthotonous, paresis to paralysis), regurgitation (partially digested possibly mucous-covered food food about one week post-prandial), stomatitis, diarrhoea, pneumonia, dermatitis and neoplasia. | + | Classically [[Pythoninae|pythons]] developed acute CNS signs and boas presented with regurgitation. In fact clinical signs are very variable and may related to secondary bacterial infections in immunosuppressed boids. Common clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, weight loss or lack of weight gain, pale oral mucous membranes, CNS problems (incoordination, disorientation, slow to loss of righting reflexes, head tremors, opisthotonous, paresis to paralysis), regurgitation (partially digested possibly mucous-covered food food about one week post-prandial), [[Lizard and Snake Ulcerative Stomatitis|stomatitis]], diarrhoea, pneumonia, dermatitis and neoplasia. |
− | * | + | * '''For more information on physical examination of a snake, see''' [Snake Physical Examination]]. |
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
[[Image:BOID_INCLUS._BODY_DIS._GASTRIC_MUCOSAL_INCLUSIONS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Gastric mucosal inclusions''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]] | [[Image:BOID_INCLUS._BODY_DIS._GASTRIC_MUCOSAL_INCLUSIONS.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Gastric mucosal inclusions''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]] | ||
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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. | ||
− | * | + | * '''For more infomation on taking samples from snakes, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation|Specimen Collection and Evaluation]]. |
===Necropsy=== | ===Necropsy=== | ||
[[Snake Necropsy|Necropsy]] shows changes associated with secondary bacterial infections. On histology, multiple tissues have been reported to contain cells with inclusions. | [[Snake Necropsy|Necropsy]] shows changes associated with secondary bacterial infections. On histology, multiple tissues have been reported to contain cells with inclusions. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * '''For more information on postmortem of a snake, see''' [[Snake Necropsy]]. | ||
==Therapy== | ==Therapy== | ||
− | There is no known treatment. [[Lizard and Snake | + | There is no known treatment. Euthanasia is recommended. |
+ | |||
+ | * '''For more information on euthanasia, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia]]. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
− | A sound preventive medicine programme is the protection. All new snakes should be | + | A sound preventive medicine programme is the protection. All new snakes should be quarantined for a minimum of 90 days before introduction to others. For larger collections a [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] of 6 months may be more appropriate. The exact route of transmission is unknown so [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice|hygiene]] and [[Snake Mites|mite]] control are essential. Finally all infected snakes should be [[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|euthanased]]. |
+ | |||
+ | * '''For more information on preventative veterinary medicine, see'''[[Lizard and Snake Quarantine]] '''and'''[[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice]]. | ||
[[Category:Snake Viral Diseases]] | [[Category:Snake Viral Diseases]] |
Revision as of 14:11, 29 April 2010
This article is still under construction. |
Species predisposition
Inclusion body disease is seen in Boidae. Previously the most commonly affected species was Burmese pythons but the disease is now most often seen in Boa constrictors. It appears to be relatively uncommon in royal pythons and has not been reported in Rosy boas. The occurrence of the disease in non-boids cannot be ruled out since typical signs and lesions have been reported in a kingsnake. IBD is primarily seen in adult snakes, however all age groups should be considered susceptible.
Inclusion body disease (IBD) is a worldwide disease of Boidae and is named for the characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions seen in the cells of affected snakes. The causative agent of has not been identified although a Retroviridae-like virus has been incriminated.
Examination
Classically pythons developed acute CNS signs and boas presented with regurgitation. In fact clinical signs are very variable and may related to secondary bacterial infections in immunosuppressed boids. Common clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, weight loss or lack of weight gain, pale oral mucous membranes, CNS problems (incoordination, disorientation, slow to loss of righting reflexes, head tremors, opisthotonous, paresis to paralysis), regurgitation (partially digested possibly mucous-covered food food about one week post-prandial), stomatitis, diarrhoea, pneumonia, dermatitis and neoplasia.
- For more information on physical examination of a snake, see [Snake Physical Examination]].
Diagnosis
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 physical examination may rule our other causes. Currently there is no serologic assay available for determining exposure. Diagnostic aids include the following:
Blood
Blood examination may be helpful. 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.
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.
- For more infomation on taking samples from snakes, see Specimen Collection and Evaluation.
Necropsy
Necropsy shows changes associated with secondary bacterial infections. On histology, multiple tissues have been reported to contain cells with inclusions.
- For more information on postmortem of a snake, see Snake Necropsy.
Therapy
There is no known treatment. Euthanasia is recommended.
- For more information on euthanasia, see Lizard and Snake Euthanasia.
Prevention
A sound preventive medicine programme is the protection. All new snakes should be quarantined for a minimum of 90 days before introduction to others. For larger collections a quarantine of 6 months may be more appropriate. The exact route of transmission is unknown so hygiene and mite control are essential. Finally all infected snakes should be euthanased.
- For more information on preventative veterinary medicine, seeLizard and Snake Quarantine andLizard and Snake Day to Day Practice.