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[[Image:Abscess_lump.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''The majority of lumps in snakes are abscesses''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:Abscess_lump.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''The majority of lumps in snakes are abscesses''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
==Examination==
==Examination==
Abnormal swellings are one of the commonest presentations in [[Snake|snakes]]. Visible or palpable masses may be either the presenting complaint or they may be found during the [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]. [[Lizard and Snake Taking a History|History]] will reveal that many lumps such as abscesses and [[Neoplasia - Pathology|neoplasia]] will be progressive while others will appear as if they developed overnight. [[Snake Physical Examination|Physical examination]] will give an indication of aetiology because of position. The differential diagnosis is in part based on the position of the lump in the body.
Abnormal swellings are one of the commonest presentations in [[Snake|snakes]]. Visible or palpable masses may be either the presenting complaint or they may be found during the [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]. [[Lizard and Snake Taking a History|History]] will reveal that many lumps such as abscesses and [[Neoplasia - Pathology|neoplasia]] will be progressive while others will appear as if they developed overnight. [[Snake Physical Examination|Physical examination]] will give an indication of aetiology because of position. The differential diagnosis is in part based on the position of the lump in the body.
*For information on snake anatomy, [[:Category:Snake Anatomy|see here]].
*For information on snake anatomy, [[:Category:Snake Anatomy|see here]].
[[Image:Main_screen.jpg|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:Main_screen.jpg|200px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
The majority of lumps are abscesses, but not all are! Radiology may define the aetiology because of the radiographic appearance. Additionally, haematology and biochemistry, fine needle aspiration, contrast radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy, biopsy and faecal examination may be used. Culture and sensitivity are especially important.
The majority of lumps are abscesses, but not all are! Radiology may define the aetiology because of the radiographic appearance. Additionally, haematology and biochemistry, fine needle aspiration, contrast radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy, biopsy and faecal examination may be used. Culture and sensitivity are especially important.
*[[Lizard and Snake Imaging|Imaging]]
*[[Lizard and Snake Imaging|Imaging]]
[[Image:Snake_op2.jpg|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:Snake_op2.jpg|200px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]
==Therapy==
==Therapy==
Treatment is very varied and dependent on the aetiology but frequently involves [[Lizard and Snake Surgery|surgery]] to investigate and remove the masses. Treatment of abscesses (one of the most common dermatological problems) involves surgical removal and systemic antibiotics based upon a culture and sensitivity.
Treatment is very varied and dependent on the aetiology but frequently involves [[Lizard and Snake Surgery|surgery]] to investigate and remove the masses. Treatment of abscesses (one of the most common dermatological problems) involves surgical removal and systemic antibiotics based upon a culture and sensitivity.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
A preventive medicine program, including [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]], holds the key to a healthy reptile collection. Good [[:Category: Snake Husbandry|husbandry]] practices produce animals that are not stressed and conditions not conducive to [[:Category:Snake Diseases|disease]]. [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice|Hygienic conditions]] decrease contamination of abscess-forming [[Bacteria|bacteria]]. Prophylactic treatments decrease parasite numbers before they become a problem (see [[Snake Mites|snake mites]]). Veterinary involvement allows treatment to be instigated at an early stage.
A preventive medicine program, including [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]], holds the key to a healthy reptile collection. Good [[:Category: Snake Husbandry|husbandry]] practices produce animals that are not stressed and conditions not conducive to [[:Category:Snake Diseases|disease]]. [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice|Hygienic conditions]] decrease contamination of abscess-forming [[Bacteria|bacteria]]. Prophylactic treatments decrease parasite numbers before they become a problem (see [[Snake Mites|snake mites]]). Veterinary involvement allows treatment to be instigated at an early stage.
[[Image:Python_3rds.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''The body can be divided into thirds to aid in a differential diagnosis''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
[[Image:Python_3rds.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''The body can be divided into thirds to aid in a differential diagnosis''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
==Differential diagnosis of lumps==
==Differential diagnosis of lumps==
The differential diagnosis will depend on the position of the lump in the body so knowledge of the position of organs is important. For more information on snake anatomy, [[:Category:Snake Anatomy|see here]]. Abscesses may occur anywhere in the body and must be included in any differential diagnosis. [[Neoplasia - Pathology|Neoplasia]] is similar. Some causes:
The differential diagnosis will depend on the position of the lump in the body so knowledge of the position of organs is important. For more information on snake anatomy, [[:Category:Snake Anatomy|see here]]. Abscesses may occur anywhere in the body and must be included in any differential diagnosis. [[Neoplasia - Pathology|Neoplasia]] is similar. Some causes: