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This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A. |
This juvenile boa constrictor is displaying a behaviour known as ‘stargazing’.
| Question | Answer | Article | |
| What is your interpretation of this behaviour? | Meningoencephalitis. |
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| How can this physical sign be employed in formulating a tentative diagnosis and prognosis for recovery? | ‘Star-gazing’ is a grave sign because nervous tissue, once damaged, does not regenerate. When the cells of the central nervous system are destroyed, they are not replaced; therefore, recovery is unlikely. Although amoebic, bacterial and mycotic pathogens have been found to be responsible for the non-specific clinical sign of stargazing, the aetiologic agents which cause meningoencephalitis in snakes most frequently are viruses, especially paramyxovirus, reovirus and lentivirus, although several others also can induce this serious neurologic sign. |
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