DEAD SNAKES from Kevin South of The Constrictors Labrynth

Also, again, I'd prefer to NOT say you sent out 3 snakes with IBD, but instead, allow you time to cure your stock, and move forward, untainted, good reputation, all this crap behind us.

This quote, especially the portion in bold, makes me think that Nick doesn't realize the gravity of his allegations. Maybe I'm reading things wrong though.

Originally Posted by FLHerper34

This quote, especially the portion in bold, makes me think that Nick doesn't realize the gravity of his allegations. Maybe I'm reading things wrong though.

I was thinking that as well. I don't keep snakes atm, but from what I understand, IBD is NOT curable. My guess is there is no vet report...probably not even any dead snakes.

Every snake that gets diagnosed with IBD needs to be culled to prevent accidental spread to others collection.

IBD is not curable. It is the boa/python equivalent of cancer/aids. It is very nasty and not nuch is known about it. That is what makes it so scary.

Originally Posted by Devon Hodgins

Every snake that gets diagnosed with IBD needs to be culled to prevent accidental spread to others collection.

IBD is not curable. It is the boa/python equivalent of cancer/aids. It is very nasty and not nuch is known about it. That is what makes it so scary.

Correct me if I am wrong.... But to diagnose IBD, you would need tissue samples. To get tissue samples you would need a necropsy. To get a necropsy you would need a dead snake. To get a dead snake you would need to cull it. To cull it, you would need an IBD diagnosis. But to diagnose IBD you would need tissue samples. To get tissue samples you would........

nevermind. I am confused now.

I ment to say that a snake that was diagnosed with IBD in a collection should be culled.

You can preform a test for IBD on a live snake but it is nowhere near accurate.

Now that I did not know. I have been away for far too long. Thanks

There is a blood test...but a negative result does not necessarily mean the snake doesn't have IBD.
Live liver biopsies are much more accurate (I don't think they provide the accuracy of a set of organ samples, though); but they are invasive & expensive.

I have heard stories of people having 6-7 test done on one animal and then all of a sudden a positive pops up. These test a very new, very stressfull, and VERY innacurate.

back to the topic though.

I would like these two questions answered by both parties.

Kevin: Why did you send him two free boas without even getting proof of said illnesses. It seems to me that if you didnt send these snakes out in these bad condition then you would be as sceptical of this as us.

Nick: What more do you want from Kevin? You got reimbursed and two free boas. What more could you ask for? Why did you want his other two boas that he sent you if you suspected IBD?

Nicholas expressed unhappiness over the appearance of the Het sharp. I was confident of his health so I offered a 60 guarantee with promise of refund.

He complained about the Coral Albino not being a Coral. I knew she was, but in order to appease his concern and keep a happy customer. I offered a pair of PH jungle VPI boas.

This was all done on 3/18/11, LONG BEFORE the accusations AND BEFORE I Googled Nicholas Giavasis and discovered what kind of person he is.

All he is wanting now is MORE FREE boas.

I cannot say much about Kevin at this point...selling overly thin and wheezing snakes just isn't an appropriate move. Nor, to my knowledge, is packing multiple snakes in the same container/bag for shipment. Bad judgment? Bad practice? More needs to be seen and heard from Kevin regarding this situation and the IBD accusations/blackmail.

Nick Giavasis, on the other hand, seems to be a scourge to the reptile community. I have read this post as well as the past BOI threads on him, and he continues to go on in a completely unprofessional manner. Lies, smoke and mirrors, lack of ethics and morals, etc, etc... He can(and probably will) continue to be a nightmare of a buyer/seller if people aren't aware of him...causing many unnecessary grief and turmoil. One can only hope he gives up the gig sooner or later and sticks to fossils, minerals, antiques...non-living things.