Changes

Examination of the coelomic cavity is possible in most small snakes by palpating ventrally between the ends of the ribs.  Large snakes are difficult to palpate because of their musculature.  There should be no palpable swellings and if they do occur their position can indicate the organ involved.  The heart can be palpated in the cranial third and the liver lies at a distance caudally in boids and colubrids because of their caudal lung.  Caudal to the liver the gall bladder can be palpated on the ventral midline.  It is possible to palpate the ingesta in healthy snakes while anorexic individuals will feel empty of doughy.

Examination of the coelomic cavity is possible in most small snakes by palpating ventrally between the ends of the ribs.  Large snakes are difficult to palpate because of their musculature.  There should be no palpable swellings and if they do occur their position can indicate the organ involved.  The heart can be palpated in the cranial third and the liver lies at a distance caudally in boids and colubrids because of their caudal lung.  Caudal to the liver the gall bladder can be palpated on the ventral midline.  It is possible to palpate the ingesta in healthy snakes while anorexic individuals will feel empty of doughy.

==Vent and tail==

==Vent and tail==

The [[Cloaca|cloaca]] can be examined very simply by using a otoscope or endoscope.  Check for [[Oedema - Pathology|oedema]], erythema, discharge and swellings.  Check the vent for any soiling which may be due to parasitic infection of the large intestine.  Make a faecal smear if possible.  Examine the tail for retained sloughed skin, lumps and other deformities.

The [[Cloaca|cloaca]] can be examined very simply by using a otoscope or endoscope.  Check for [[Oedema|oedema]], erythema, discharge and swellings.  Check the vent for any soiling which may be due to parasitic infection of the large intestine.  Make a faecal smear if possible.  Examine the tail for retained sloughed skin, lumps and other deformities.

[[Image:Sexing_snakes.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Sexing snakes''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

[[Image:Sexing_snakes.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Sexing snakes''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

==Sexing/Probing==

==Sexing/Probing==