Red Tail Boa and IBD and transmission to BP's

[Skiploder]

70%? I'd like to see evidence of that before I believe such a high number.

Actually, doing a liver biopsy isn't that bad of a procedure, and it is highly accurate in detecting IBD. It's just rather expensive.

Only if there are actual inclusion bodies present in the liver. Remember, while the presence of inclusions is a diagnostic for the disease, the absence of these inclusion bodies does not necessarily indicate that the snake is not diseased or is free from IBD.

They could be in the:

............gall bladder

............brain

............esophageal tonsils

etc.

My female went through a liver and a gall bladder biopsy (ultrasound assisted). No inclusion bodies.

The inclusion bodies were found in her esophogeal tonsils........


As for the rate of incidence - I believe it's south of 70% but higher than your local boa breeder would leave you to believe.

Don't take my word for it - Dr. Jacobson has proven himself reachable by e-mail - even to members on this forum.

Instead of asking specifics from a vet who only sees a couple of confirmed cases a year, or worse a breeder who will most likely deny IBD is even a problem, e-mail the man who's spearheading the research and see what he has to say.