Septicemia

A wide variety of bacteria can cause generalized internal infections (septicemia). These bacteria may invade the body by way of wounds and abscesses or as a consequence of serious illness originally localized in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts.

Signs may be subtle or obvious and may include lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, regurgitation of incompletely digested food, redness to the skin and scales, or bleeding from the skin.

The help of an experienced veterinarian is essential in these cases. The outlook for these patients is always guarded to poor. The attending veterinarian may collect a specimen for bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing, as well as one or mote blood samples to more accurately determine the extent of the disease, whether or not various internal organs are involved, and as a means of monitoring the patient's progress.

Treatment involves use of injectable antibiotics and appropriate supportive care (fluid therapy, force-feeding, injectable vitamins, etc.). Treatment must usually be relatively long-term and periodic monitoring of the patient's status is essential to a favorable outcome.

Respiratory Disease

Respiratory infections are common in snakes. They may be associated with septicemia (body-wide) illness, viral infections and mouth rot. Some respiratory illness may be the consequence of stress from poor or inadequate husbandry.

Signs include loud respiration's, discharge and/or bubbling from the nostrils and/or mouth, coughing and open-mouth breathing Treatment must be aggressive and at the direction of a veterinarian. A bacterial culture of the windpipe and subsequent antibiotic sensitivity testing should be undertaken to identify the offending bacteria and the appropriate antibiotic(s) to use. The veterinarian may also recommend collecting a blood sample to determine the extent of the disease and to see if there has been serious compromise to internal organs. Antibiotic therapy should be by injection and may need to be long-term, especially in severe and long-standing cases. Inhalation therapy (vaporization or nebulization) is frequently employed as part of treatment.

Eye Infections

Captive snakes occasionally suffer eye infections. Infections may be superficial or more extensive, involving the entire eye. Superficial infections may result from mild injury to the eye. Superficial infections may also become established below a retained eye cap. Infections of this type must be recognized promptly and treated aggressively to Prevent involvement of the entire eye. The retained eye cap must first be removed if at all possible. Infections involving the entire eye may result from trauma to the eye or from septicemia (body-wide infection). In the latter case, the bacteria enter the eye by way of the bloodstream.

Veterinary help is essential with these cases. Treatment involves use of topical and/or injectable antibiotics. Sometimes, drugs that help to exercise the iris (the colored portion inside the eye) are used to help prevent adhesions inside the eye.

Viral Infections

Viral infections in snakes, as a whole, are generally poorly understood. This is because viruses are extremely difficult to detect and identify. They are equally difficult or impossible to treat Viral infections result in tumorous skin growths in many native snake species. Other viruses can cause digestive, respiratory and nervous system disease among snakes. An example is a recently recognized viral encephalitis affecting pythons and boa constrictors. Afflicted constrictor species exhibit a very gradual deterioration of the brain and eventually die.

Most viruses are highly contagious. Hobbyists must be aware of this and quarantine all newly acquired snakes for at least 6-8 weeks. This involves complete isolation of new snakes and careful scrutiny of them during this period for any signs of illness.

All newly acquired snakes should be thoroughly examined and evaluated by a veterinarian experienced with snakes. Blood tests may offer clues as to viral infections.

Fungal Infections

A number of fungal organisms can cause superficial and deeper infections of snakes. Most of these infections involve the skin and respiratory system Fungal infections of the eyes are most likely to occur in snakes housed in damp, contaminated environments Ringworm fungi that usually infect people, pets and livestock have also caused skin infections of snakes.

Snakes must be housed in scrupulously clean and dry endorsers The flooring must be easy to clean and should not be of a material that encourages fungal (mold) growth (see section on Housing). Snakes exhibiting problems with their skin and/or eyes must be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. A microbial culture and a skin biopsy may be necessary to obtain a diagnosis. Treatment of fungal diseases involves use of topical and systemic (oral and/or injectable) anti fungal agents. Prevention of fungal diseases involves correcting underlying problems with husbandry.

Questions should be directed to our office, 502-245-7863