Observations of bacterial diseases of captive snakes in Finland

Eighteen captive, nonpoisonous snakes which suffered from bacterial infections were studied. The most usual bacteria found were gram-negative rods; especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila and Proteus spp. The most common disorders caused by them were stomatitis, septicaemia, bronchopneumonia and abscesses. The sensitivities of ten isolated bacteria to antimicrobial drugs were tested. Neomycin and gentamicin seemed to be effective, especially against P. aeruginosa.