I will admit that I am not highly educated on the subject of IBD (nor am I ignorant on it). Dan keeps talking about bone cells - what does that have to do with the the diagnosis of IBD? I've never had a snake posted that came back positive for IBD, but would have expected mention of inclusion bodies...not just mention of "microscopic lesions compatible with" the disease - I'll chalk that up to inexperience on my part, and hope that the vet wasn't just reaching. (I'll actually be seeing my vet today...if things aren't too crazy, and there is time for unrelated conversation, I'll try to get her opinion on that)
Dan, accepting that you do not keep boids, I can understand why you aren't concerned about this...but to anybody that does, those 3 letters are a HUGE deal. And the passage of a few months means absolutely nothing. A boa can be exposed and remain asymptomatic for as long as two years (maybe longer, if some of what I have seen/heard is true). Unless the buyer has had the other snake specifically tested for IBD, you may be premature in your assurances that there is absolutely no problem. I understand that you didn't produce it, and that it just passed through your hands...but this is a highly contagious disease, capable of decimating a person's collection. A cavalier attitude and BS responses are only going to alienate people. You may not care what Chuck, or Jim, or unnamed others think of you, but word spreads and a lot of people read these threads...why shoot off your own foot?
I'd be interested in seeing the vet report, if Dan or the customer are willing to provide it, and hearing an interpretation from one with the education & experience to provide it (if it points to that diagnosis). Until that happens, there is nothing for me to add.
There is just too much disparity in the terms being used, and the explanations aren't making any sense. (To my mind, Dan is still contradicting his earlier statement without refuting it)
If there are any interesting developments, somebody please let me know.
hhmoore has unsubscribed