Handling and Nursing Reptiles - Australian Veterinary Association

8.6 Endoscopy
Endoscopy is commonly used in reptile practice in the USA and UK, especially in iguanas and
increasingly in chelonia. Previously endoscopy was used mainly as a diagnostic tool to examine
and biopsy internal organs but recently it has been used for local, targeted medical therapy and
minimally invasive surgical procedures. 10 In Australia where snakes are more popular, there
appears to be less demand for endoscopy. Palpation, transcutaneous biopsy and coeliotomy are
more commonly used for diagnostic purposes.
Summary
Physical examination and diagnosis in reptiles can be challenging, physically and intellectually.
First principles from mammalian veterinary practice are easily adapted to the class Reptilia.
Extensive knowledge of the normal animal is essential in order to recognise the abnormal.
References
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Shea G, Senior lecturer in Veterinary Anatomy, University of Sydney, personal communication.
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