Changes

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The aetiology of neurological disease can be suggested by signalment. [[Inclusion Body Disease|Inclusion body disease (IBD)]] is almost always seen in [[Boidae]]. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|Ophidian paramyxovirus]] (OPMV) occurs principally in [[Viperidae]]. Hypothiaminosis is common in fish-eating snakes such as [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].  Disorientation and sluggishness may be attributed to a wide variety of causes but may be simply caused by an inappropriate environmental temperature.  [[Snake Physical Examination|Physical examination]] may rule out cases of trauma.  The use of diagnostic aids may identify the cause: [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] may reveal fractures, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] may indicate an infectious cause, and serology may identify [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]]. Response to thiamine is diagnostic for [[Snake Hypothiaminosis|hypothiaminosis]]. However sometimes the aetiology is only found upon [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]]. Perivascular cuffing in CNS issue may be associated with viral infections.

The aetiology of neurological disease can be suggested by signalment. [[Inclusion Body Disease|Inclusion body disease (IBD)]] is almost always seen in [[Boidae]]. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|Ophidian paramyxovirus]] (OPMV) occurs principally in [[Viperidae]]. Hypothiaminosis is common in fish-eating snakes such as [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].  Disorientation and sluggishness may be attributed to a wide variety of causes but may be simply caused by an inappropriate environmental temperature.  Stargazing in very suggestive of meningoencephalitis.  [[Snake Physical Examination|Physical examination]] may rule out cases of trauma.  The use of diagnostic aids may identify the cause: [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] may reveal fractures, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] may indicate an infectious cause, and serology may identify [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]]. Response to thiamine is diagnostic for [[Snake Hypothiaminosis|hypothiaminosis]]. However sometimes the aetiology is only found upon [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]]. Perivascular cuffing in CNS issue may be associated with viral infections.

==Causes of neurological disease==

==Causes of neurological disease==

There are many causes of neurological disease in snakes. Here’s a brief overview.

There are many causes of neurological disease in snakes. Here’s a brief overview.

*'''Viral''' - Two viral diseases have been reported to cause neurological problems in snakes – [[Inclusion Body Disease]] and [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OMPV]]. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]] is primarily associated with [[Snake Respiratory Disease|respiratory pathology]] but can be associated with CNS disease. The clinical significance of infection with western equine encephalitis and Venezuelan equine encephalitis is unknown.

*'''Viral''' - Several viral infections have been reported to cause neurological problems in snakes – including [[Inclusion Body Disease]], [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OMPV]], reovirus and lentivirus infections. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]] is primarily associated with [[Snake Respiratory Disease|respiratory pathology]] but can be associated with CNS disease. The clinical significance of infection with western equine encephalitis and Venezuelan equine encephalitis is unknown.

*'''Bacterial''' - Bacterial infections, including Staphylococcus aureus and mycobacteria, have been reported to cause neurological disease and abscesses in the vertebral canal.

*'''Bacterial''' - Bacterial infections, including Staphylococcus aureus and mycobacteria, have been reported to cause neurological disease and abscesses in the vertebral canal.

'''For more information, see''' [[Snake Supportive Care]].

'''For more information, see''' [[Snake Supportive Care]].

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

'''For further information, see''' [[Snake Feeding and Digestion]] '''and''' [[Snake Housing]].

'''For further information, see''' [[Snake Feeding and Digestion]] '''and''' [[Snake Housing]].

==Literature Search==

==Literature Search==

[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118385.pdf '''Neurologic examination in reptiles - Part II: Localizing neurologic dysfunction.''' Bennett, R. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1768-1769 - '''Full Text Article''']

[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118385.pdf '''Neurologic examination in reptiles - Part II: Localizing neurologic dysfunction.''' Bennett, R. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1768-1769 - '''Full Text Article''']

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]