|
Parasitic Diseases
Snakes can be hosts to a large number of parasites, representing a bewildering variety
of organisms that can cause many problems. A large number of one-celled organisms (protozoa) can cause serious
diseases of the digestive, respiratory, reproductive and vascular blood and bloodstream) systems of snakes. Flukes
cause illness in the respiratory and urinary systems. Tapeworms parasitize the digestive system. Roundworms and
related parasites inhabit the digestive tract, but their juvenile stages can cause disease to other organs (especially
the lungs) during the course of their migrations. Large numbers of mites and ticks parasitize the skin and scales
of snakes, and create disease by feeding on the host's blood.
Signs of parasitism depend on the parasite and body tissue involved. External parasites
are usually easy to diagnose, though immature stages of mites may lie dormant under scales or just inside the eye
cavity. Visual inspection of the skin and scales, with or without a magnifying lens, is usually all that is necessary.
Internal parasite problems require examination of various specimens, most often blood, feces, urinary tract products,
and washings from the windpipe and lungs. Special laboratory procedures are necessary to process these specimens.
Microscopic examination is usually necessary.
Most parasites of pet snakes and snakes kept in zoological collections are carried
with them into captivity. These snakes were either parasitized before being collected in the wild or became parasitized
while being held in the generally crowded wholesale and retail channels.
Pet snakes living singly in homes are very unlikely to develop parasite problems
in these relatively isolated environments. Exceptions to this generalization include pet snakes exposed to parasitized
snakes and their excretions, or to the specific organisms (called "vectors") necessary for parasites
to complete their life cycles. In most cases, the vector must bite the uninfected snake for the snake to become
parasitized. It is also possible for a captive snake to become parasitized by eating certain prey species that
harbor the larval stage of a given parasite.
Newly acquired snakes should be thoroughly examined and evaluated by a veterinarian
for external and internal parasites as soon as possible after acquisition. All detected parasitism's should be
treated, if possible. No snake should be introduced into a collection until it has been examined by a veterinarian
and until it has been quarantined for a minimum of 8 weeks and remains healthy during this period.
Strict attention to hygiene and sanitation and a proper diet usually contribute
to optimum health, even in the face of mild to moderate parasitism. Because the subject of parasitism is so extensive,
only several of the more common parasite problems of captive snakes will be specifically mentioned:
Amebiasis: Amebiasis is one of the most
significant parasite problems of captive snakes. This highly contagious disease is caused by a microscopic, one-celled
organism (protozoan) called an amoeba Snakes are easily infected by eating contaminated food and water containing
the infective stage of this parasite. The organisms cause extensive damage to the intestinal lining and liver.
Secondary bacterial infections are very common and contribute significantly to the severity of the disease. Signs
of Amebiasis include listlessness, impenitence, and foul-smelling feces containing mucus and blood.
A veterinarian maybe able to diagnose this disease by having the laboratory examine
specially prepared samples of feces. Sometimes examination of tissue sections of the intestine or scrapings from
the lining of the intestine of a deceased snake is the only way the diagnosis can be confirmed. This underscores
the importance of performing autopsies on snakes that have died, especially when there are other snakes in the
collection whose lives may be threatened.
Many snakes native to the American Southwest harbor these organisms but apparently
do not suffer from the disease. Crocodiles and certain turtles are similar "carriers". Hobbyists must,
therefore, exercise caution when housing snakes with these species to avoid an outbreak of Amebiasis. Certain water
snakes, as well as boa constrictors and pythons, are especially susceptible to this disease.
Amebiasis is treatable, requiring the expertise of a veterinarian. Specific anti-protozoal
medications and antibiotics ate used. Enclosures used to house infected snakes should be steam cleaned and disinfected
with a 3% bleach solution.
Trichomoniasis: One of the most commonly
recognized parasites of snakes is another protozoan, Trichomomas. This organism is often noted in the stools of
snakes when routine direct examinations are undertaken. Mection with
Trichomons may result from ingestion of mice and rats, both of which often harbor the parasite without
showing signs of illness.
Infected snakes may exhibit no signs or those associated with gastrointestinal disease
(impenitence, vomiting, diarrhea). Some infected snakes may also have bacterial disease at the same time.
Some experts remain unconvinced that this parasite, by itself, can produce disease
in snakes because infected snakes are often suffering from Amebiasis at the same time. The most prudent course
of action is to treat all snakes harboring the parasite. Fortunately, the treatment for Trichomoniasis is usually
effective in eliminating the organism that causes Amebiasis. A veterinarian should be consulted regarding diagnosis
and treatment of this parasitic disease.
Snake Mite Infestation: Snakes mites ate
tiny spider-like organisms that reside on and between the scales of snakes and tend to also congregate around their
eyes They are relatively easy to see with the unaided eye but a magnifying lens aids in their identification.
|
VETERINARY
ASSOCIATES STONEFIELD