Petition question about reven.--

[NicoleRussell]

I recieved this comment and obviously do not know how to answer it so any imput will be forwarded to the author:

Hi Everyone,
With regards to the comment in the petition that the snakes can redevelop the ability to inject venom I have been unable to find any documentation of this in the literature. This appears to be a holdover when the method of choice in preventing the snake from being able to inject venom was to tear or cut the fangs from the mouth of the snake.
It is theoretically possible that a person unfamilar with the anatomy of the snake could sever a nerve there with the resulting scar tissue blocking the duct which could at a future point allow venom to be secreted down the duct but this has never been documented.

[eddie]

I am uncertain if there are any true stats on the issue.
I have heard from many sources that it does and can happen though.

Another issue that may compound true stats is the sale of non voided snakes as voided, just to make a quick buck, which does happen.

[Ed_r]

Ok First off I'm totally against voids., but there are several levels of voiding.

1) snip the fangs- This is only very temporary and snakes shed teeth as well as fangs and new ones grow in.

2) Venom duct severing- This takes the duct, cuts, sutures, and hopefulle cauterizes the duct. It is basically the same procedure for ending male fertility in humans. In theory tissue has the "ability" to re-grow and "possibly" re-join itself and regain functionality.

3) Venom gland removal- this is a surgery where the entire gland, duct, and possibly fangs are surgically removed. The glands are replaced with inserts under the skin to take up the lost mass of the glands. This would be probably the only way it would be impossible for the snake to regain it's venemous staus on its own.

Of course in all voids, this will not continue with its offspring. the of course will be born Hot.

I may have only touched on the methods, but thats it in a nutshell.

[NicoleRussell]

so it's all theory? (the regeneration of venom glands?)

[Ed_r]

Like eddie said Its very possible that the voided snakes were never really voids.

But I know when "certain" procedures are done, the doctor always advises that it "can" grow back, so in that thinking so could a snakes ducts. Not sure if it has ever been proven though, thus the theory. Plus i may be way off base, but i think I listened pretty good to all BW's preaching.

[NicoleRussell]

I have been thinking too that when people void a snake for educational purposes---I mean isn't that a really* bad* lesson??

[MsTT]

Yes, eventual regeneration (or more accurately, re-fissuring) of ducts has been documented by well respected research veterinarians. Also a number of "venomoids" have been successfully milked and have produced venom after being subjected to the operation. This probably indicates a botched or incompete operation rather than full gland regeneration however.

As far as I know none of the research on venomoid regeneration has been formally published. I got this information by speaking directly to the veterinary researchers presenting their work at The North American Veterinary Conference, the International Conference on Exotics and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians conference.

As it says in my venomoid FAQ, I cannot hand out the names and contact information of these veterinarians to the public. That would not be professional. But if you have your veterinarian contact me, I will share that contact information with your vet so that he or she may discuss the matter professionally with the other vets who have seen the cases.

[MustangRde1]

ABSOULUTLY TRUE. One of the major reasons I became so active in this is a Paupan Black Snake that went under the knife of the butcher Ritchard Ritchie. This animal came back to ERJ as a Venomoid. It arrrived late and did not make the Hamburg PA show thank god. I was cleaning its cage one day and my gut told me something was not right. Ray hunter performed a venom extraction and yellow fluid appeared. We had it bite several mice and rats ALL which died. end conclusion was VENOM as a PNG Black does not constrict its prey. Had I not handled it in a safe venomous handling manner and that snake had bit me I WOULD BE DEAD. ERJ no longer deals in voids and this is one clear case of why they should be outlawed. And the Black was sold as a hot.

[schatzie001]

What a horse's rear Nicole - can't wait to hear how well you will blast him. Both Barrels?

[MustangRde1]

Nicole. There are only a few places im aware of that use voids for true educational uses. The three im aware of had to have voids for insurance reasons and DID have the surgery done by a true veterianary surgeon who kept the snakes for 4 weeks durring the healing cycle. They are not the norm unfortuantely. I asked why even use voids why not use none at all. I was told that these animals are never treated like voids and that in fact durring their shows for the public are shown as hots. The reasoning is most people will never see a Cobra in america and that they wanted the average person to be able to veiw one. I stuck around and watch the show and was pleased with the way they used the animal. I was given a tour of their collection and its housing and can say atleast in this one groups case they got an A+. Again they are deffinately not the norm though.

Some day I hope to never hear the term void except in past tense as in there are no more voids.

	Venomous Reptile A term commonly used to refer to a venomous reptile. Most commonly used in reference to venomous snakes.