Diseases of the Nervous System

Chapter 44 Diseases of the Nervous System



SNAKES


The anatomy of the nervous system in the snake and other reptiles is similar to that in mammals, with some differences. The reptile is the first vertebrate to have developed a cerebral cortex with two hemispheres, the spinal cord extends to the tip of the tail, and there is no cauda equina. There are locomotor centers within the spinal cord that give it functional autonomy from the brain. It is often difficult to assess the neurologic function of the snake; however, a history of movement difficulties (lack of ability to strike prey, head tilt, tremors) should alert one to the possibility of neurologic disease.



Nervous System Trauma


Head trauma or spinal cord trauma can result in neurologic dysfunction in the snake.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Related to the site of trauma
Head: seizures

Spine: lack of panniculus reaction caudal to lesion, paralysis or paresis


DIAGNOSIS



• Neurologic examination, physical examination

• Radiographs


Treatment



Supportive care



• Corticosteroids to decrease inflammation

• Spinal support if the spinal column is fractured


Spinal Osteopathy


The exact cause of spinal osteopathy is unknown; however, it is believed to be related to exposure to a virus that affects mice fed as prey or to a virus of snakes spread by mice. Some think it may be due to a slowly developing neoplasia or to septicemia. Many suppositions can be found in the literature.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Multifocal swellings along the dorsum of the spine that are painful on palpation

• Progressive remodeling of the vertebra with ankylosis of the spine

• Finally, snake is unable to move, constrict, or swallow

• Injury to the spinal cord


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination and history

• Radiography

• +/− Blood cultures to rule out septicemia


TREATMENT



• If cultures are positive, long-term antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement of lytic bone


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• The prognosis for the patient with spinal osteopathy is guarded, especially if spinal cord damage has occurred.


Toxic Neuropathies


The following substances have been shown to produce neurotoxicity in reptiles:


• Insecticides

• Metronidazole

• Aminoglycosides

• Lead

• Nicotine

• Wood shavings with a high resin content (cedar shavings)

Reptiles, including snakes, are highly sensitive to many insecticides used to treat parasites. Care should be taken when exposing snakes and other species to these chemicals.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Nonspecific (depends on the toxin)
Head tilt

Seizures

Paralysis

Vestibular signs


DIAGNOSIS



• History of exposure

• Lead: blood lead levels


TREATMENT



• Supportive: fluids, force-feeding if necessary

• Remove animal from source of toxin


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• Use caution when exposing reptiles to any topical insecticides or oral antiparasitic agents.

• Have your pet examined immediately if any signs of toxicity develop after use of any insecticide.

Related posts:

  1. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  2. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  3. Diseases of the Cardiovascular System
  4. Hematologic Diseases

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Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Nervous System

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