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→Differential diagnosis of lumps
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.
*For more information on snake surgery, [[Lizard and Snake Surgery|see here]].
*'''For more information on snake surgery, [[Lizard and Snake Surgery|see here]].'''
==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 disease; [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice|hygienic conditions]] decrease the environmental 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]]
[[Image:Python_3rds.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''The body can be divided into thirds to aid in a differential diagnosis''' © 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:
*In the '''cranial third''' of the snake - ingested foreign bodies, cardiomyopathies or pericardial effusions, visceral gout and goitre (see snake [[Snake Respiratory System|respiratory system]] and [[Snake Cardiovascular System|cardiovascular system]]).
*In the '''cranial third''' of the snake - ingested foreign bodies, cardiomyopathies or pericardial effusions, visceral gout and goitre (see snake [[Snake Respiratory System|respiratory system]] and [[Snake Cardiovascular System|cardiovascular system]]).
*In the '''middle third''' - ingested foreign bodies, intestinal intussusception, visceral gout, cholecystomegaly due to bile duct obstruction or coccidiosis, ripe or atretic follicles, inflammation of any organs including gastritis caused by Cryptosporidium and Monocercomonas, colitis due to Entamoeba, omphalitis and steatitis (see snake [[Snake Digestive System|digestive system]].
*In the '''middle third''' - ingested foreign bodies, intestinal intussusception, visceral gout, cholecystomegaly due to bile duct obstruction or coccidiosis, ripe or atretic follicles, inflammation of any organs including gastritis caused by Cryptosporidium and Monocercomonas, colitis due to Entamoeba, omphalitis and steatitis (see snake [[Snake Digestive System|digestive system)]].
*In the '''caudal third''' - ingested foreign bodies, intestinal intussusception, uric acid colonoliths, renal and visceral gout. Impacted or abscessed anal glands, or [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]] in a male snake may cause masses at the base of the tail. See [[Lizard and Snake Renal Disease|renal disease]], [[Lizard and Snake Excretion|excretion]] and [[Lizard and Snake Dystocia|dystocia]].
*In the '''caudal third''' - ingested foreign bodies, intestinal intussusception, uric acid colonoliths, renal and visceral gout. Impacted or abscessed anal glands, or [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]] in a male snake may cause masses at the base of the tail. See [[Lizard and Snake Renal Disease|renal disease]], [[Lizard and Snake Excretion|excretion]] and [[Lizard and Snake Dystocia|dystocia]].
[[Category:Snake_Skin_Diseases]]
[[Category:Snake_Skin_Diseases]]