Changes

[[Image:Crypto_lump_copy.jpg|100px|thumb|right|'''Mid-body swelling''' © RVC]]

[[Image:Crypto_lump_copy.jpg|100px|thumb|right|'''Mid-body swelling''' © RVC]]

[[Cryptosporidium|''Cryptosporidium'']] spp. are [[Protozoa|protozoa]] of the phylum Apicomplexa and commonly cause gastrointestinal disease in animals. ''Cryptosporidium serpentis'' infection in snakes causes gastric hypertrophy and consequent clinical signs. The mode of transmission is oral-faecal. The disease can either be subclinical with intermittent shedding or clinical with gastrointestinal disease. Non-[[Ophidian|ophidian]] reptiles may also be carriers.

[[Cryptosporidium|''Cryptosporidium'']] spp. are [[Protozoa|protozoa]] of the phylum Apicomplexa and commonly cause gastrointestinal disease in animals. ''Cryptosporidium serpentis'' infection in snakes causes gastric hypertrophy and consequent clinical signs. The mode of transmission is oral-faecal. The disease can either be subclinical with intermittent shedding or clinical with gastrointestinal disease. Non-[[Ophidian|ophidian]] reptiles may also be carriers.

==Examination==

==Examination==

Regurgitation of mucus covered prey three to four days after eating, weight loss and a firm mid-body swelling are the usual clinical signs. Regurgitation may be episodic.  

Regurgitation of mucus covered prey three to four days after eating, weight loss and a firm mid-body swelling are the usual clinical signs. Regurgitation may be episodic.  

'''For more information on physical examinations of snakes, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

'''For more information on physical examinations of snakes, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

[[Image:Clinical_cryptosporidiosis_snow_corn_snake.jpg|300px|thumb|right|© RVC]]

[[Image:Clinical_cryptosporidiosis_snow_corn_snake.jpg|300px|thumb|right|© RVC]]

==Therapy==

==Treatment==

Treatment can be supportive but death usually occurs from a few months to a year after the clinical signs are first noticed. Treatment with immunoglobulins may be helpful. [[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|Euthanasia]] may be the most realistic option. If not, strict [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] of any infected snakes is very important to stop the spread of infection. Disinfection of contaminated areas can be carried out with 5% ammonia or 10% formalin. Hypochlorite at 3% is not effective.

Treatment can be supportive but death usually occurs from a few months to a year after the clinical signs are first noticed. Treatment with immunoglobulins may be helpful. [[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|Euthanasia]] may be the most realistic option. If not, strict [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] of any infected snakes is very important to stop the spread of infection. Disinfection of contaminated areas can be carried out with 5% ammonia or 10% formalin. Hypochlorite at 3% is not effective.

{{Learning

{{Learning

|flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 20]]

|flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 20]]

}}

}}

==References==

==References==

Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''

Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]