That's the one! It's a common misconception that diamonds in particular need UV, and that snakes in general need it too. It certainly won't do them any harm, but it's not necessary. Your vet is mistaken, even though it is in common folklore that diamond pythons need UV to avoid suffering Diamond Python Syndrome, I challenge anyone to produce the evidence that this is so. Diamond Pythons kept outside in Darwin and northern Qld, with access to heaps of UV, still die relatively early, often at 4-5 years of age. On the other hand I have friends in NSW who have kept them indoors for 15-18 years without any UV whatsoever, but with relatively cool temps (max around 27-28C in summer), and these snakes are still breeding successfully.
Diamond Python Syndrome has a complex set of symptoms which include tumours, muscle wasting, brittle bones and eventual death. It seems to be more common in snakes which have been kept at above optimum temperatures for the species, but a recent thread here alluded to the fact that it may be contagious, hence the possibility of another organism being involved - maybe a virus or something more obscure. My own feeling is that this is a distinct possibility.
As I said, UV won't do any harm, but if you're on a budget, it definitely is not necessary.
The temperature is important because Diamonds (along with the SW Carpets in WA) are the most southerly species of python in Australia, they live in cooler environments than any other species, and experience very cold winter temps especially, even though they situate themselves to take advantage of winter sun when it's available. Dr Rick Shine has done a lot of work on them, and his excellent book 'Australian Snakes, a Natural History' gives an account of their behaviour in the wild which is very interesting.
Jamie
