Breed Checking?

[Raptor]

On another forum, a discussion came up on breed checking dogs. This evolved into a conversation on reptiles, and I commented that I had never heard of anyone getting their reptiles checked over by a vet prior to breeding.

Out of curiosity, does anyone do that?

 

[Teddy Roosevelt]

A lot of people take reptiles they've recently purchased to the vet, especially if they're from a new source or wild-caught, but I don't know anyone who's mentioned it in regards to breeding.

 

[Raptor]

A lot of people take reptiles they've recently purchased to the vet, especially if they're from a new source or wild-caught, but I don't know anyone who's mentioned it in regards to breeding.

That I've heard of. However, I just haven't heard of anyone who will take their stock to the vet to get checked over. This particular person claims she knows of four large quality breeders that does it.

 

[Hypancistrus]

I would call BS on that. I don't even take new reptiles to a vet, unless they are exhibiting some sign of illness.

Reptiles are not dogs. Simply put.

 

[Teddy Roosevelt]

I would call BS on that. I don't even take new reptiles to a vet, unless they are exhibiting some sign of illness.

Reptiles are not dogs. Simply put.

Well said, Lauren. It's hard to explain to people who don't own them that, for the most part, if your reptile is kept in proper conditions and not introduced to another reptile, it may go it's entire life without ever needing to see a vet.

 

[Raptor]

I asked her who the four breeders are that she knows. I might post the names if she responds. More than likely, I'll just look them up. This particular person supposedly has had reptiles/worked at a pet shop. But as we know, on the internet, you can be whoever you wish.

 

[Raptor]

She says two are private individuals, and the other two are Boas and Balls, and Pro Exotics. I haven't heard of the first, but the second sounds familiar. Probably because they sell reptile products.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know if these two have their stock checked prior to breeding each year?

 

[ZoologyGirl]

I don't think I really see the point. I suppose if you wanted to spend the money you could, but it doesn't seem necessary.

Like Lauren said, reptiles are different from mammals. Bring a dog into the vet and they're going to do what? weigh it, listen to it's heart, take it's temperature, what else do they do? I don't know, I'm not a vet...feel around for abnormalities I guess. I don't know what a dog breeding check constitutes.

Most breeders will probably know the weight of their animal, the temperature it's kept at, if it is too fat or too small, if it's old enough, if it's too old, and by observation will know if the snake is acting strange. I just don't see the point of a vet checking for 'breeding condition' of a snake, when you can pretty much do it at home. And I'd imagine that could get to be super expensive for the breeders with tons of snakes.

What would constitute the vet saying that a particular snake is not in breeding condition? Unless it is a super intensive/intrusive vet check I can't imagine too much a vet would notice that an observant breeder wouldn't.

 

[Raptor]

I know for dogs that they'll x-ray it to check for hip displaisla issues and various other hereditary issues..But like everyone else, I can't really think of any reasons on why you'd do vet checks on a snake.