Respiratory Diseases of Snakes

Area of Science:

• Herpetological Medicine
• Veterinary Pathology
• Zoological Medicine

Background:

• Respiratory abnormalities are frequent in snakes within zoological and private collections.
• Substandard husbandry and translocation are significant predisposing factors for respiratory ailments.
• Infectious (bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic) and non-infectious causes are commonly implicated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline diagnostic approaches for snake respiratory disease.
• To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective therapeutic strategies.
• To provide practical methods for sample collection accessible to general practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Preferred diagnostic method: Endoscopic evaluation with biopsies for histopathology and microbiology (specialist-dependent).
• Alternative practical method: Transtracheal lavage for cytology and microbiology.
• Review of reported etiological agents including various pathogens and non-infectious conditions.

Main Results:

• A range of infectious agents (bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic) are identified causes of snake respiratory disease.
• Non-infectious etiologies also contribute significantly to respiratory compromise.
• Diagnostic procedures aim to identify specific causative agents.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of snake respiratory disease is crucial for successful treatment.
• Transtracheal lavage provides a viable diagnostic option for non-specialist practitioners.
• Addressing husbandry and environmental factors is key to preventing respiratory conditions in snakes.