Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I understand that the principle argument against venomoids is that snakes require their venom to properly digest meals.

It seems that only snakes posessing a hemotoxin would be impacted by the loss of their venom by that argument, no?

Do any herp neurotoxins break down the animals flesh and aid in digestion?

And yes, btw, I understand that there are other arguments against venomoids, but until I see the people taking a 'moral' stand against the surgery lining up to:

- protest the declawing of cats
- insist on the banishment of live animals in circus'
- and demand a broad based increase of resources to zoo's

..I will continue to regard their moral stands as so much machismo/bravado/etc.

I'm not saying I "promote" venomoid surgery, btw, but I cant help but wonder if a king cobra would prefer living for years as a venomoid in a well maintained cage as opposed to getting thrashed and skinned by a terrified field worker in what was its nesting area last year and is now the middle of a crop..

I would guess neurotoxins still play a role. Take N. Kaothia, monocled cobra. Most articles would say neurotoxic. Yet I've seen some pictures of nasty necrosis around the bite area. I'm by far no expert, like I said it's a guess. It would be nice to see more scientific research done. As far as the the venomoid issue, I'm against it and I'll leave it at that.