Defanging/ Devenomizing

[RandyRhoads420]

So It can be done if I was to find someone to do one of these procedures what kind of cost am I looking at? Will the fangs/ Venom glands grow back?

[infernalis]

How can I word this?? Oh well......

The whole concept of hacking up an animal to make it into something that nature never intended it to be is sickening.

I consider it about as humane as surgically implanting a horn onto a horse because you want a pet unicorn.

There is only one "company" in the USA that even cares enough to do the procedure properly, and you are looking at a huge bill to have it done.

It's just about the worst idea in the history of bad ideas.

[citysnakes]

if you cant keep a venomous animal then dont keep a venomous animal.

[RandyRhoads420]

Originally Posted by infernalis

I consider it about as humane as surgically implanting a horn onto a horse because you want a pet unicorn.
.

It's just about the worst idea in the history of bad ideas.

OUCH lol ok scratch that idea.

[Evra0914]

Originally Posted by infernalis

How can I word this?? Oh well......

The whole concept of hacking up an animal to make it into something that nature never intended it to be is sickening.

I consider it about as humane as surgically implanting a horn onto a horse because you want a pet unicorn.

There is only one "company" in the USA that even cares enough to do the procedure properly, and you are looking at a huge bill to have it done.

It's just about the worst idea in the history of bad ideas.

I agree, if you do that.... well it's just a really bad idea!!!! Like infernalis said it would be like taking a horn and straping it to a horse and painting the horse pink, so u could say you have a Pink Unicorn as a pet! It's just cruel!

[MacAdder]

Venomoids are created because some cowardly person wants to own a ‘venomous’ animal without the consequences. It’s like removing the wings from a bird because the owner does not want to take the chance that the animal may escape due to his or her ignorance.
The reason people want to keep venomoids is so that they can brag by free handling a potentially dangerous snake to impress your mates? Or because they just enjoy infecting unnecessary pain and disfiguration on innocent creatures for no reason?
If you thinking of getting a venomoid why not just get a corn snake.

[dragunov.762]

If you really need a venomiod snake than the only huname way to get one it to adopt one that has already had the surgery and the owner still didn't want it DON'T BUY ONE you are only furthering the means for people to mutilate animals. there are some up for adoption (search google) but having the procedure done or buying one from someone who had the procedure done i (and most of us) feel is inhumane. I agree with city snakes, if you don't want a hot herp don't get a hot herp.

[Will0W783]

I have to say I agree with everyone- if you don't want an intact hot herp, don't get a mutilated one. There is a surgery done to remove the entire venom gland, but it is very painful to the snake and if not done perfectly the animal can end up with debilitating facial deformities, as the volume of the gland keeps the fullness of the head and without it they can get sunken in. Also, some venomous snakes rely on their venom to help them digest prey and they have a much harder time absorbing nutrients without it. Finally, there is no guarantee that the operation will have removed 100% of the gland cells. If there is even a tiny bit left in, the gland will regenerate and then you'll have a venomous snake on your hands that you think is safe...NOT a good situation. Do your research, and if you decide you want to get into hots, get a mentor to teach you how to properly work with them...intact.

[Will0W783]

Yeah, we are pretty passionate around here, and venomoids (devenomized snakes) are a rather large controversy.

[emseeKAY]

well, as you can see its quite looked down upon within the community, sure it would be great if you could have an inland taipan and have no reprocussions from its venom but its not worth sacrificing the wellbeing of the animal for this... would you like your teeth ripped out so that you were considered "safe"

again if you cant handle a hot, dont get a hot, and knowledge is power! maybe someday this will be oulawed...

[RandyRhoads420]

I'd like a couple hots....I know i'm not ready yet. But my main concern is the hospitals around here only carry Crofab.....nothing for cobras

[Will0W783]

You might want to stock your own then or stick with Crotalid species. Like I said, best bet is to start looking around for a mentor and start training.

[RandyRhoads420]

I looked at prices and if i'm not mistaken they cost thousands per vial. Where would you even purchase them?

[Will0W783]

I am not sure...I think you would have to get a doctor's prescription, as most antivenins are regulated. Yes, vials costs thousands of dollars apiece, and it often takes several entire vials to treat a bite. Another thing to consider is that health insurance will not cover any portion of treatment from a captive snake bite, so if you get bitten by your hot, you will have to fork out for emergency room care and antivenin injections- do NOT try to treat yourself. Either way a mistake will cost you thousands of dollars, so that is also important to consider.

[Aaron_S]

Don't forget that if you did somehow purchase some they have a relatively short life span. A few years at most and they need to be stored properly as well. You're probably looking at 7 - 10 vials at least for one evenomation.