Changes

Neurological disease is relatively common in snakes. Viral infections may present with neurological signs and [[Snake Hypothiaminosis|hypothiaminosis]] is very common in [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].

Neurological disease is relatively common in snakes. Viral infections may present with neurological signs and [[Snake Hypothiaminosis|hypothiaminosis]] is very common in [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].

==Examination==

==Examination==

As with other problems of snakes, [[Lizard and Snake Taking a History|history-taking]] is critical for diagnosis. Signalment information can help determine the cause since many neurological diseases are more prevalent in certain taxa. [[:Category:Snake Husbandry|Husbandry information]] will help to determine whether the nervous system is involved specifically or secondarily.  Clinical signs of neurological disease in snakes vary from very subtle to severe. There may be only a mild decrease in activity and a drop off in appetite. More obvious signs include disorientation, incoordination, loss of righting reflex, paresis, paralysis, head tremors, opisthotonous and convulsions.

As with other problems of snakes, [[Lizard and Snake Taking a History|history-taking]] is critical for diagnosis. Signalment information can help determine the cause since many neurological diseases are more prevalent in certain taxa. Husbandry information will help to determine whether the nervous system is involved specifically or secondarily.  Clinical signs of neurological disease in snakes vary from very subtle to severe. There may be only a mild decrease in activity and a drop off in appetite. More obvious signs include disorientation, incoordination, loss of righting reflex, paresis, paralysis, head tremors, opisthotonous and convulsions.

 

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The aetiology of neurological disease can be suggested by signalment. Inclusion body disease (IBD) is almost always seen in Boidae. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|Ophidian paramyxovirus]] (OPMV) occurs principally in [[Viperidae]]. Hypothiaminosis is common in fish-eating snakes such as [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].  Disorientation and sluggishness may be attributed to a wide variety of causes but may be simply caused by an inappropriate environmental temperature.  [[Snake Physical Examination|Physical examination]] may rule out cases of trauma.  The use of diagnostic aids may identify the cause: [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] may reveal fractures, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] may indicate an infectious cause, and serology may identify [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]]. Response to thiamine is diagnostic for hypothiaminosis. However sometimes the aetiology is only found upon [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]]. Perivascular cuffing in CNS issue may be associated with viral infections.

The aetiology of neurological disease can be suggested by signalment. Inclusion body disease (IBD) is almost always seen in Boidae. [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|Ophidian paramyxovirus]] (OPMV) occurs principally in [[Viperidae]]. Hypothiaminosis is common in fish-eating snakes such as [[Garter Snake|garter snakes]].  Disorientation and sluggishness may be attributed to a wide variety of causes but may be simply caused by an inappropriate environmental temperature.  [[Snake Physical Examination|Physical examination]] may rule out cases of trauma.  The use of diagnostic aids may identify the cause: [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] may reveal fractures, [[Lizard and Snake Haematology|haematology]] may indicate an infectious cause, and serology may identify [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|OPMV]]. Response to thiamine is diagnostic for hypothiaminosis. However sometimes the aetiology is only found upon [[Snake Necropsy|necropsy]]. Perivascular cuffing in CNS issue may be associated with viral infections.