Lizard and Snake Imaging

The imaging techniques that are used for other animals can be applied to snakes. However, normals may not be well described so comparison is an important tool.

Radiography

Radiography is an important diagnostic aid in snakes. Assessment includes organ position, shape, size and density, skeletal density and gastrointestinal contents. Snakes are often presented with subcutaneous lumps and radiography is very useful to distinguish eggs from abscesses. Radiographic principles are the same as for other animals. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the species being radiographed is essential.

Lizards

Lizards can be radiographed with or without chemical restraint. The oculovagal reflex may be used in iguanids and other lizards may be taped down or radiographed through a box or bag if necessary.
Positioning is very important: standard projection for dorsoventral and horiLizards can be radiographed with or without chemical restraint. The oculovagal reflex may be used in iguanids and other lizards may be taped down or radiographed through a box or bag if necessary.

Snakes

Positioning is extremely important and snakes should not be radiographed just coiled in a bag. Radiographs of an entire snake can be taken sequentially and are far more useful than a single radiograph of coiled snake. Sequential radiographs can often be performed on a single plate. A small area of overlap should be included on each film. If possible, the lateral views should be included in the same orientation and position as the dorsoventral views.
Barium series can be performed on snakes. Give 0.5% bodyweight in mls of barium sulphate suspension by oesophageal tube followed by 4.5% bodyweight in mls of air for double contrast study. Radiograph in 15 minutes to assess oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Continue series for lower gut.
Take two views: dorsoventral and lateral. The lateral view is the best for visualising the lung fields and the cardiac silhouette. On the DV view the spine tends to obscure the central portion of the lungs, and almost totally obliterates a clear view of the heart.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool and principles for mammals can be applied to reptiles. The main advantage of ultrasonography is in the evaluation of soft tissue organs. The use of ultrasonography is dependent on familiarity with the equipment, knowledge of the normal anatomy of particular species and ability to interpret the images. Minimal information has been published on the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of diseases, but diagnostic samples and scanning for neoplasia, abscesses and cysts can be routinely performed. Ecdysis interferes with ultrasonography.

Technique - Appropriate manual restraint is satisfactory for examining many lizards and snakes but chemical restraint may be necessary. 7.5 and 10 MHz transducers with stand-off for suitable resolution are used in small reptiles and 5 and 3.5MHz transducers for larger reptiles. The transducer (plus liberal amounts of aqueous gel) is positioned against the ventral scales. Intercostal placement is possible in large species. Initially the heart is located and the chambers and valves can be visualised. Moving caudally the liver is found as a hyperechoic organ. The stomach then spleen, pancreas and gall bladder are located caudal to the liver. Cranial to the cloaca gonads and kidneys can be found as hyperechoic structures.
The fat body of boid snakes can complicate the imaging of some organs including the kidneys and reproductive tract.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is a very useful diagnostic aid for cardiac problems in species where there are well-described normals. It is non-invasive, identifies specific cardiac anatomy and quantifies cardiac function. Echocardiography can be used to evaluate heart valve motion and identify thrombi, pericardial effusion and structural defects such as stenosis and valvular disease. Presently normals for reptile species at specific temperatures are not well-described.

Endoscopy

Indications for endoscopy include:

Diagnosis of disease by visualisation or collection of specimens,
Treatment of disease such as the removal of foreign bodies,
Sexing of monomorphic species,
Assistance with other procedures such as the implanting of telemetry equipment.

Equipment

Both rigid and flexible endoscopes can be used in reptiles. A rigid endoscope is used for endoscopic coeliotomy. Expertise can be acquired by attempting endoscopy on dead reptiles and carrying out non-invasive techniques on live animals. Care is necessary since endoscopes may become contaminated with venom or Gram-negative bacteria.

Anatomy

Specific knowledge of the normal anatomy of individual species is important. The absence of an epiglottis facilitates tracheoscopy but the glottis is capable of spasm and can be easily damaged. The air sac and extensive rib cage of snakes means that insufflation is not always necessary. The anatomy of the thin, sac-like, lung means that it can be easily punctured. The long, relatively straight gastrointestinal tract facilitates examination. The vent may permit access to the colon and urinary and reproductive openings.