Changes

{{unfinished}}

{{unfinished}}

==Upper alimentary tract disease==

==Upper alimentary tract disease==

Upper alimentary tract disease (UATD) is any pathological condition affecting the oral cavity, pharynx or oesophagus.  

Upper alimentary tract disease (UATD) is any pathological condition affecting the oral cavity, pharynx or oesophagus.

==Stomatitis==

==Stomatitis==

Stomatitis (mouth rot) is the most common form of upper alimentary tract disease in reptiles. In snakes stomatitis is a very common multifactorial condition. Infectious agents generally are Gram-negative bacteria. However, stomatitis is usually secondary to stressors such as poor environmental conditions and malnutrition.   

Stomatitis (mouth rot) is the most common form of upper alimentary tract disease in reptiles. In snakes stomatitis is a very common multifactorial condition. Infectious agents generally are Gram-negative bacteria. However, stomatitis is usually secondary to stressors such as poor environmental conditions and malnutrition.   

==Examination==

==Examination==

Clinical signs of stomatitis are excessive salivation, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Initial lesions are gingival petechiation which develop to oedema and ulceration with the presence of caseous material. Other associated problems include osteomyelitis around the teeth, haematogenous spread to other parts of the body, lower respiratory tract disease and a distended subspectacular space from blocked nasolacrimal ducts.   

Clinical signs of stomatitis are excessive salivation, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Initial lesions are gingival petechiation which develop to oedema and ulceration with the presence of caseous material. Other associated problems include osteomyelitis around the teeth, haematogenous spread to other parts of the body, lower respiratory tract disease and a distended subspectacular space from blocked nasolacrimal ducts.   

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Stomatitis is usually not confused with other diseases in snakes and is diagnosed on physical examination.  Diagnostic aids are necessary to ascertain the aetiology. The initial step is sampling of the affected area, preferably by biopsy, for bacteriology. This sample can also be submitted for fungal culture. All oral masses should be biopsied and cultured.  Radiology is useful to determine bony involvement.

Stomatitis is usually not confused with other diseases in snakes and is diagnosed on physical examination.  Diagnostic aids are necessary to ascertain the aetiology. The initial step is sampling of the affected area, preferably by biopsy, for bacteriology. This sample can also be submitted for fungal culture. All oral masses should be biopsied and cultured.  Radiology is useful to determine bony involvement.