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Snake Physical Examination (view source)

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[[Image:Steth_crop.jpg|400px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]
 
[[Image:Steth_crop.jpg|400px|thumb|right|(Copyright © RVC)]]
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
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The physical examination involves observation of the snake, taking measurements and a thorough methodical area by area examination. Many techniques are similar to other animals, but before examining the snake ask the owner if it is accustomed to being [[Snake Handling and Restraint|handled]]. A veterinarian who is inexperienced with reptiles may focus on the presenting signs and end up treating exclusively secondary problems.  Stomatitis and rectal prolapse for example are secondary conditions where a full examination with husbandry review including [[Snake Housing|housing]] and [[Snake Feeding and Digestion|nutrition]], is vital in determining the principal problem.
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The physical examination involves observation of the snake, taking measurements and a thorough methodical area by area examination. Many techniques are similar to other animals, but before examining the snake ask the owner if it is accustomed to being [[Snake Handling and Restraint|handled]]. A veterinarian who is inexperienced with reptiles may focus on the presenting signs and end up treating exclusively secondary problems.  Stomatitis and rectal prolapse for example are secondary conditions where a full examination with husbandry review including [[Snake Housing|housing]] and [[Snake Feeding and Digestion|nutrition]] is vital to determine the principal problem.
    
==Observation==
 
==Observation==
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Snakes should have active [[Snake Special Senses|tongues]] that are sampling scent particles in the atmosphere (see [[Jacobsons organ|Jacobson's organ]]).  Normal movement should be observed although allowances must be made for any chilling effect in transit since this will reduce the patient's metabolism and give a misleading impression of lethargy and lack of strength.  A healthy snake will have adequate muscle tone and grip the clinician's hands.  Review how to correctly handle and restrain a snake [[Snake Handling and Restraint|here]].  There will be a level of activity befitting the particular [[:Category:Snake Species|species]].  A sick snake usually remains limp.  The righting reflex should be tested since poor reactions can be a result of weakness and not necessarily neurological disease.  [[Snake Neurological System|Neurological function]] can be assessed by checking head position, body posture, cloacal tone and righting reflexes.  [[Snake Respiratory System|Respiration]], including rib movements and any sounds produced should be noted.
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Snakes should have active tongues that are sampling scent particles in the atmosphere and passing them to the [[Snake Special Senses|Jacobson's organ]].  Normal movement should be observed although allowances must be made for any chilling effect in transit since this will reduce the patient's metabolism and give a misleading impression of lethargy and lack of strength.  A healthy snake will have adequate muscle tone and grip the clinician's hands.  Review how to correctly handle and restrain a snake [[Snake Handling and Restraint|here]].  There will be a level of activity befitting the particular [[:Category:Snake Species|species]].  A sick snake usually remains limp.  The righting reflex should be tested since poor reactions can be a result of weakness and not necessarily neurological disease.  [[Snake Neurological System|Neurological function]] can be assessed by checking head position, body posture, cloacal tone and righting reflexes.  [[Snake Respiratory System|Respiration]], including rib movements and any sounds produced should be noted.
    
==Organ positions==
 
==Organ positions==
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Examination of the coelomic cavity is possible in most small snakes by palpating ventrally between the ends of the ribs.  Large snakes are difficult to palpate because of their musculature.  There should be no palpable swellings and if they do occur their position can indicate the organ involved.  The heart can be palpated in the cranial third and the liver lies at a distance caudally in boids and colubrids because of their caudal lung.  Caudal to the liver the gall bladder can be palpated on the ventral midline.  It is possible to palpate the ingesta in healthy snakes while anorexic individuals will feel empty of doughy.
 
Examination of the coelomic cavity is possible in most small snakes by palpating ventrally between the ends of the ribs.  Large snakes are difficult to palpate because of their musculature.  There should be no palpable swellings and if they do occur their position can indicate the organ involved.  The heart can be palpated in the cranial third and the liver lies at a distance caudally in boids and colubrids because of their caudal lung.  Caudal to the liver the gall bladder can be palpated on the ventral midline.  It is possible to palpate the ingesta in healthy snakes while anorexic individuals will feel empty of doughy.
 
==Vent and tail==
 
==Vent and tail==
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The [[Cloaca|cloaca]] can be examined very simply by using a otoscope or endoscope.  Check for [[Oedema - Pathology|oedema]], erythema, discharge and swellings.  Check the vent for any soiling which may be due to parasitic infection of the large intestine.  Make a faecal smear if possible.  Examine the tail for retained sloughed skin, lumps and other deformities.
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The [[Cloaca|cloaca]] can be examined very simply by using a otoscope or endoscope.  Check for [[Oedema|oedema]], erythema, discharge and swellings.  Check the vent for any soiling which may be due to parasitic infection of the large intestine.  Make a faecal smear if possible.  Examine the tail for retained sloughed skin, lumps and other deformities.
 
[[Image:Sexing_snakes.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Sexing snakes''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
 
[[Image:Sexing_snakes.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Sexing snakes''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
 
==Sexing/Probing==
 
==Sexing/Probing==
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'''See also''' [[Snake Necropsy]].
 
'''See also''' [[Snake Necropsy]].
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{{Learning
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|full text = [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093018977.pdf ''' Let your fingers do the walking: how to restrain and examine snakes.''' Diaz-Figueroa, O.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Volume 22, Orlando, Florida, USA, 2008, 2008, pp 1746-1748, 1 ref.]
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[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118384.pdf '''Neurologic examination in reptiles - Part I: Cranial nerve examination.''' Bennett, R. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1766-1767]
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[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118385.pdf '''Neurologic examination in reptiles - Part II: Localizing neurologic dysfunction.''' Bennett, R. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1768-1769]
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==References==
 
==References==
 
Fowler, M.E. and Miller, R.E. (2003). Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Saunders, 5th Edition. pp. 84. ISBN 0-7216-9499-3  
 
Fowler, M.E. and Miller, R.E. (2003). Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Saunders, 5th Edition. pp. 84. ISBN 0-7216-9499-3  
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==Webinars==
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<rss max="10" highlight="none">https://www.thewebinarvet.com/internal-medicine/webinars/feed</rss>
    
[[Category:Snake Examination|C]]
 
[[Category:Snake Examination|C]]
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