Veterinar, Vol. 63 No. 2, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/ISSN 0303-5409
Neurorespiratory Diseases in Snakes
Lana Vidulin
; Veterinarska ambulanta Pula d.o.o.,
*
Maja Lukač
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Because of their multifactorial etiology, wide range of clinical signs, and high mortality, neurorespiratory
diseases in snakes represent a significant challenge in exotic animal veterinary medicine. The etiological
spectrum includes: bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Bacterial infections, particularly those
caused by the family Chlamydiaceae and Mycoplasma spp., result in pneumonia, stomatitis, and encephalitis.
Viral infections, most notably caused by nidoviruses, ferlaviruses, reptarenaviruses, and sunshineviruses, are
responsible for severe respiratory and neurological disorders, characterized by high lethality and a lack of
specific therapy. Parasitic invasion, such as by Pentastomida, Rhabdias, or Strongyloides, and fungal infections
with Aspergillus or Candida, further complicate the clinical picture. The diagnostic approach requires
integration of a thorough medical history, clinical examination, microbiological and molecular methods
(polymerase chain reaction, next-generation sequencing), histopathological analyses, and imaging techniques
(X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging). Polymerase chain reaction represents
the gold standard for identification of viral and bacterial pathogens, while imaging is essential for monitoring
therapeutic response. The demonstration of fungal hyphae, spores, or the isolation of fungi from various
tissues, as well as granuloma biopsy, are critical diagnostic methods for accurate fungal identification.
Given the limited treatment options, particularly for viral diseases, preventive measures play a key role.
These include implementation of biosecurity protocols, mandatory quarantine of newly acquired individuals,
regular veterinary check-ups, maintenance of hygienic conditions, and owner education. The systematic
application of preventive measures significantly reduces the occurrence and spread of neurorespiratory
diseases in captive snake populations.
Keywords
snakes; neurorespiratory diseases; bacterial infections; viral infections; diagnostics; prevention
Hrčak ID:
343374
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2025.
Visits: 303 *