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[[Image:Crypto_lump_copy.jpg|100px|thumb|right|'''Mid-body swelling''' © RVC]]

[[Image:Crypto_lump_copy.jpg|100px|thumb|right|'''Mid-body swelling''' © RVC]]

[[Cryptosporidium|''Cryptosporidium'']] spp. are [[Protozoa|protozoa]] of the phylum Apicomplexa and commonly cause gastrointestinal disease in animals. ''Cryptosporidium serpentis'' infection in snakes causes gastric hypertrophy and consequent clinical signs. The mode of transmission is oral-faecal. The disease can either be subclinical with intermittent shedding or clinical with gastrointestinal disease. Non-ophidian reptiles may also be carriers.

[[Cryptosporidium|''Cryptosporidium'']] spp. are [[Protozoa|protozoa]] of the phylum Apicomplexa and commonly cause gastrointestinal disease in animals. ''Cryptosporidium serpentis'' infection in snakes causes gastric hypertrophy and consequent clinical signs. The mode of transmission is oral-faecal. The disease can either be subclinical with intermittent shedding or clinical with gastrointestinal disease. Non-[[Ophidian|ophidian]] reptiles may also be carriers.

 

==Examination==

==Examination==

Regurgitation of mucus covered prey three to four days after eating, weight loss and a firm mid-body swelling are the usual clinical signs. Regurgitation may be episodic.  

Regurgitation of mucus covered prey three to four days after eating, weight loss and a firm mid-body swelling are the usual clinical signs. Regurgitation may be episodic.

 

'''For more information on physical examinations of snakes, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Cryptosporidiosis can be insidious and go unnoticed until pathologic changes are advanced. It is diagnosed by several methods, but often established on [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]].

Cryptosporidiosis can be insidious and go unnoticed until pathologic changes are advanced. It is diagnosed by several methods, but often established on [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]].

[[Image:Clinical_cryptosporidiosis_snow_corn_snake.jpg|300px|thumb|right|© RVC]]

[[Image:Clinical_cryptosporidiosis_snow_corn_snake.jpg|300px|thumb|right|© RVC]]

==Therapy==

==Treatment==

Treatment can be supportive but death usually occurs from a few months to a year after the clinical signs are first noticed. Treatment with immunoglobulins may be helpful. [[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|Euthanasia]] may be the most realistic option. If not, strict [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] of any infected snakes is very important to stop the spread of infection. Disinfection of contaminated areas can be carried out with 5% ammonia or 10% formalin. Hypochlorite at 3% is not effective.

Treatment can be supportive but death usually occurs from a few months to a year after the clinical signs are first noticed. Treatment with immunoglobulins may be helpful. [[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|Euthanasia]] may be the most realistic option. If not, strict [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] of any infected snakes is very important to stop the spread of infection. Disinfection of contaminated areas can be carried out with 5% ammonia or 10% formalin. Hypochlorite at 3% is not effective.

'''For more vivarium disinfectants, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice]].

'''For more vivarium disinfectants, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice]].

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

Good husbandry practices will always be invaluable as part of a preventive medicine program. Limiting stressors and maintaining good hygiene will decrease the spread of cryptosporidiosis. Snakes should not be housed with other reptiles since they are susceptible to the excreted oocysts from carriers.  ''Cryptosporidium'' spp. that infect mammals do not infect snakes and it appears that ''Cryptosporidium serpentis'' is not adapted to poikilotherms and therefore not contagious to mammals.

Good husbandry practices will always be invaluable as part of a preventive medicine program. Limiting stressors and maintaining good hygiene will decrease the spread of cryptosporidiosis. Snakes should not be housed with other reptiles since they are susceptible to the excreted oocysts from carriers.  ''Cryptosporidium'' spp. that infect mammals do not infect snakes and it appears that ''Cryptosporidium serpentis'' is not adapted to poikilotherms and therefore not contagious to mammals.

'''For more information on good husbandry, see''' [[:Category: Snake Husbandry|Snake Husbandry]].

'''For more information on good husbandry, see''' [[:Category: Snake Husbandry|Snake Husbandry]].

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]