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[[Image:Boa_stomatitis_ed.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Ulcerative stomatitis in a Boa constrictor''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
 
[[Image:Boa_stomatitis_ed.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Ulcerative stomatitis in a Boa constrictor''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
 
==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.
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Stomatitis is usually not confused with other diseases in lizards and 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.
 
==Therapy==
 
==Therapy==
 
Treatment of stomatitis needs to be aggressive since progression to systemic disease is not uncommon. Supportive treatment should be instigated immediately though care must be taken not to further traumatise the mouth.  The application of topical antiseptics can be used in mild cases while surgical debridement under general anaesthetic may be indicated in severe cases. Secretions, necrotic tissue and debris should be removed by flushing with dilute povidone-iodine or chlorhexidene.  Choice of antibiotics is dependent on sensitivity. Length of treatment may be from three weeks in mild cases to several months in more severe ones. If possible, the mouth should be cleaned twice daily during this time. Inadequate length of treatment is a common cause of therapeutic failure.   
 
Treatment of stomatitis needs to be aggressive since progression to systemic disease is not uncommon. Supportive treatment should be instigated immediately though care must be taken not to further traumatise the mouth.  The application of topical antiseptics can be used in mild cases while surgical debridement under general anaesthetic may be indicated in severe cases. Secretions, necrotic tissue and debris should be removed by flushing with dilute povidone-iodine or chlorhexidene.  Choice of antibiotics is dependent on sensitivity. Length of treatment may be from three weeks in mild cases to several months in more severe ones. If possible, the mouth should be cleaned twice daily during this time. Inadequate length of treatment is a common cause of therapeutic failure.   
 
==Prevention==
 
==Prevention==
Poor husbandry is usually the root cause of many problems with reptiles. The husbandry practices need to evaluated and corrected. One or several of the usual problems will most likely be present incorrect temperatures and unhygienic conditions probably being the most common. Mild cases of stomatitis sometimes will resolve with only a change to the POTZ of the snake.  
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Poor husbandry is usually the root cause of many problems with reptiles. The husbandry practices need to evaluated and corrected. One or several of the usual problems will most likely be present - incorrect temperatures and unhygienic conditions probably being the most common. Mild cases of stomatitis sometimes will resolve with only a change to the POTZ of the snake.  
 
[[Category:Snake Upper Alimentary Tract Disease]]
 
[[Category:Snake Upper Alimentary Tract Disease]]
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