Changes

[[Image:Boa_stomatitis_ed.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Ulcerative stomatitis''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

[[Image:Boa_stomatitis_ed.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Ulcerative stomatitis''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

===Oral cavity===

===Oral cavity===

The oral cavity is fairly easy to evaluate once the mouth is open.  Use an object to gently open the mouth without damaging the delicate gingiva and teeth.  Do not use any cotton since it snags on the caudally curving teeth.  The normally pale and pinkish-white gingiva should be glistening and moist with no petecchiation, excess salivation or oedema.  Excessive saliva in the oral cavity suggests pneumonia or gastrointestinal upset.  [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|Mouth rot]] when present varies from mild erythema to a generalised stomatitis with pus necrotic tissue.  The tongue and its sheath should be examined.  Check the glottis for any discharge.  Check the patency of the internal nares.

The oral cavity is fairly easy to evaluate once the mouth is open.  Use an object to gently open the mouth without damaging the delicate gingiva and teeth.  Do not use any cotton since it snags on the caudally curving teeth.  The normally pale and pinkish-white gingiva should be glistening and moist with no petecchiation, excess salivation or oedema.  Excessive saliva in the oral cavity suggests pneumonia or gastrointestinal upset.  [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|Mouth rot]] when present varies from mild erythema to a generalised stomatitis with necrotic tissue.  The tongue and its sheath should be examined.  Check the glottis for any discharge.  Check the patency of the internal nares.

 

==Musculoskeletal==

==Musculoskeletal==

Assess the bulk and tone of the muscles first.  The body should be rounded.  With emaciation it becomes triangular and the spine and ribs more prominent.  Then assess [[Snake Locomotion|locomotion]] on a rough surface.  Normal posture and coordination should be evident.  Check the righting reflex.  A defect in the vestibular system or hypothiaminosis may result in rolling and an inability to right.  The spine and ribcage should then be palpated for swellings that may be associated with abscesses or fractures.

Assess the bulk and tone of the muscles first.  The body should be rounded.  With emaciation it becomes triangular and the spine and ribs more prominent.  Then assess [[Snake Locomotion|locomotion]] on a rough surface.  Normal posture and coordination should be evident.  Check the righting reflex.  A defect in the vestibular system or hypothiaminosis may result in rolling and an inability to right.  The spine and ribcage should then be palpated for swellings that may be associated with abscesses or fractures.