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Diagnostic aids that are used routinely with more familiar domestic animals are also applicable to lizards and snakes. Those commonly available in veterinary practice include faecal examination, microbiology, cytology, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] and [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|biochemistry]], [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] and biopsy.  This section will cover specimen collection and interpretation.

Diagnostic aids that are used routinely with more familiar domestic animals are also applicable to lizards and snakes. Those commonly available in veterinary practice include faecal examination, microbiology, cytology, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] and [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|biochemistry]], [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] and biopsy.  This section will cover specimen collection and interpretation.

[[Image:Culture_copy.jpg|250px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Culture_copy.jpg|250px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]

==Colonic wash==

==Colonic wash==

A lubricated catheter with an attached syringe is gently inserted through the vent. The catheter should pass easily into the colon and if resistance is met it is pushing against the dorsal wall of the cloaca. Up to approximately 10ml/kg of sterile saline is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration.  Learn about digestion in [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|lizards]] and [[Snake Digestive System|snakes]]

A lubricated catheter with an attached syringe is gently inserted through the vent. The catheter should pass easily into the colon and if resistance is met it is pushing against the dorsal wall of the cloaca. Up to approximately 10ml/kg of sterile saline is injected into the colon. The fluid is massaged prior to aspiration.  Learn about digestion in [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|lizards]] and [[Snake Digestive System|snakes]]

==Transtracheal wash==

==Transtracheal wash==

Respiratory disease is common in reptiles and sample collection from the respiratory tract may be essential for diagnosis and treatment. Transtracheal washes should therefore be a routine procedure for all lizards and snakes with respiratory disease. They may be collected in physically restrained snakes but chemical restraint is usually required.  

Respiratory disease is common in reptiles and sample collection from the respiratory tract may be essential for diagnosis and treatment. Transtracheal washes should therefore be a routine procedure for all lizards and snakes with respiratory disease. They may be collected in physically restrained snakes but chemical restraint is usually required.  

[[Image:Glottis.jpg|250px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Glottis.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Copyright © RVC)]]

*Collection

*Collection

The patient is positioned with the head slightly elevated. Identify the position of the heart. The jaws are opened and the glottis identified. Upon inspiration a sterile catheter is introduced to the appropriate level. The lung field is caudal to the heart in boids and colubrids. Sterile saline equal to 0.5-1% bodyweight is injected. The head is then lowered and the fluid aspirated. Occasionally more is aspirated than injected and this usually indicates respiratory disease. Any fluid left in the lungs is absorbed.  Use of endoscopy allows visualisation as well as sampling. Samples of low cellularity can be concentrated using centrifugation.

The patient is positioned with the head slightly elevated. Identify the position of the heart. The jaws are opened and the glottis identified. Upon inspiration a sterile catheter is introduced to the appropriate level. The lung field is caudal to the heart in boids and colubrids. Sterile saline equal to 0.5-1% bodyweight is injected. The head is then lowered and the fluid aspirated. Occasionally more is aspirated than injected and this usually indicates respiratory disease. Any fluid left in the lungs is absorbed.  Use of endoscopy allows visualisation as well as sampling. Samples of low cellularity can be concentrated using centrifugation.

==Gastric lavage==

==Gastric lavage==

Stomach washings can be obtained for preparation of wet mounts, cytology and microbiology. A lubricated catheter is introduced into the stomach via the oesophagus and sterile saline is injected. The stomach is massaged and the fluid is then withdrawn. The specimen can be concentrated by centifuging. Gastric lavage is commonly used in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.

Stomach washings can be obtained for preparation of wet mounts, cytology and microbiology. A lubricated catheter is introduced into the stomach via the oesophagus and sterile saline is injected. The stomach is massaged and the fluid is then withdrawn. The specimen can be concentrated by centifuging. Gastric lavage is commonly used in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.

[[Image:Spinal_needle.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Spinal needle used for bone marrow sampling''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Spinal_needle.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Spinal needle used for bone marrow sampling''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

==Blood collection==  

==Blood collection==  

Find out more about collecting blood from [[Lizard Blood Collection|lizards]] and [[Snake Blood Collection|snakes]].

Find out more about collecting blood from [[Lizard Blood Collection|lizards]] and [[Snake Blood Collection|snakes]].