Cleft Pallet in a Hog Island Boa

[Cclark4108]

So just recently we took our Hog Island Boa to the vet for a RI. We found out he has a slight cleft pallet. Has anyone else ever seen this in other boas? His isn't bad and it isn't too noticable. I had initially thought he just has a deformed nostril.

[richardhind]

no never heard of that before

[Andy_G]

Yes. Sometimes there is a genetic component and it's my opinion that the individual should not be used to breed.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Agree with Andy. Inbreeding can be a problem with Hogs since the gene pool is so small, especially with pure Hogs, since all importation has been banned for a long time. Resulting in small or large deformities.