TRACHEAL LAVAGE – A METHOD OF SAMPLING THE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT IN SNAKES

The snake's respiratory infections are briefly reviewed and discussed. Prior to treatment, it is essential to determine the causative agent of the respiratory infection. The tracheal lavage is described as a preferred method to obtain material for examinations and detecting pathogens from the respiratory system. The aspirates can be used for parasitological, virological, cytological, microbiological, molecular and other examinations. A patient with chronic respiratory disturbances was used for the purpose of this pilot study.