Inclusion Body Disease

[lovisa]

I just recieved a call from a woman I bought a baby boa from 6 months or so ago. She told me that her male that she bred with her female tested positive for Inclusion Body Disease. She says because of that, the baby that I got definitly has it, and I should euthanize her immediatly. Also that my ball python most likely has it as well, because they are housed in tanks in the same room, and I'm sure at one point I touched one and then the other without a hand wash in between.
So I spoke with my vet over here who stated that I should not put my animals down right away, just keep the baby quarantined. But that the minute she shows symptoms to bring her in.
From what I've learned of the disease so far it is quite painful for the snakes and the last thing I want is for my snakes to suffer in any way. I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with the disease and if snakes can be asymptomatic and live quality lives, or if the best decision is to euthanize and avoid the innevitable.

[jacqturtle]

Hi and welcome! Just wish the reason for being here was something better and not so sad.

First off I am really sorry this is happening to you. It's one of the nightmares anyone with snakes has.

Second the breeder gets bonus points with me for telling you about this. Many would have kept it under wraps to protect themselves.

Next, no luckily I have not had this happen to me. I also am not real up-to-date on this disease. Yes it can be asymptomatic...more so the boas.

Now on with your problem. Until your animal shows signs or tests positive for the disease, there is no guarantee it even has it. I would never put down an apparently healthy animal because it might have something. I would watch closely for the first signs of the disease or test the animal to see if it has it.

Here comes the part where I tell you the exception (lol) isn't there always an exception? Are you planning on breeding? Or are these just pets? (just not meant in a bad way). Because as long as you have these animals, I would not bring in any new animals. Your home becomes under quarantine. None come in nor go out.

I would be treating the animal as if it had the disease already however. If I could keep it in a room by itself I would. I know the damage might already be done, but I would act like it hasn't spread to my other animals yet.

This animal would be cared for after I did the other animal(s). The strictest sanitary practices would be in place. Nothing would be shared between snakes. Not feeding tongs, nor whatever I might use to carry things to the snake area or away from it...such as water carrier, trash bags, ect.., I would have a container of wipes or a bottle of sanitizer by each of the cages. Plus be extra careful to wash between the two areas.

Does that sound like too much work or maybe not practical for you? Then maybe it would be best to put it down.

Care should be taken to not allow others to touch the snakes and maybe carry the disease home to their own snakes or someone else's animals. Also you need to be careful not to accidentally carry it to a friend's snakes, the pet store, zoo, ect..,

Once more is that too much work or responsibility? If so, put them down.

If you do put them down, be sure everything is completely cleaned and sanitized before you even dream of getting more.

Once more to me, it's not inevitable that one or both of your snakes will have IBD nor even carry it. I tend to be the type to believe in the positive and work toward that end goal. I won't give up on any animal without a fight. These animals aren't suffering or even sick yet. You have time to learn, to gather facts, to take positive steps. I would be using this time to my advantage. I would give my animals every chance I could to live.

In the end however, it is what is right for you and your individual situation. We can give thoughts, suggestions, ideas, and often more importantly plain ole supportive shoulders to cry on. You have to follow your own heart and abilities.

Whatever you choose, we will support your choice and will be here for you. Please keep us informed as to what happens. Wishing you the best of luck in a very tough time.

Jacqui<br><br>Post edited by: jacqturtle, at: 2007/07/17 21:01

[lovisa]

Yes, these animals are just pets, nothing more, no breeding planned.

The quarantine is not a problem, I dont plan on owning any more snakes at the moment, and not carrying the disease elsewhere is also not an issue. These snakes will never leave my house again.

The only reason that I think that the baby has it is that from what my vet said it is passed from parents to offspring.
Also my other concern is that we had a small mite outbreak a couple of weeks ago, nothing major, all gone now, but that mites can transfer the disease as well, so therefore my ball is now at risk.

I'm trying to have a positive outlook on this... its just hard to after reading how snakes with this die.

Thank you for your advice, and the suggestions on sanitation procedures. It will definitly help me make a more informed decision

[jacqturtle]

Since they are going to "just" be pets and I am assuming that you are happy with having just the two?...what do you have to lose with giving them a chance to live?

I agree the parent having isn't good...just even knowing it came from a breeder who tests positive isn't good...the mites certainly add to the entire negative picture.

Still...me myself, I want to see they have it to believe it enough to put them down. Think of something as common and as studied as the weather. How often have you saw the forecast calling for a high percent of rain, yet no rain comes? I don't use my car wipers until I have the wet windshield.

I would also seek a little comfort from it being the male who tested positive rather then the female. Does she have it?

[lovisa]

From what the woman said, yes she has it as well. Shes not a professional breeder, she is a member of the herp society here. All in all 20 babies, all of whom she believes has it now.

[jacqturtle]

Did you talk to your vet about testing yours? Another thought and I don't want this to come out wrong, but the written word can't convey enough information so here goes...do you really want to know? Or since they are pets, do you just want to give them the best lives and enjoy them as long as you can. After all, life doesn't come with guarantees...they could be free of this, but die next week from something else (knocking on wood).