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Aparato reproductor

Egg retention (dystocia in reptiles)

The female reptile is unable to lay her eggs. It is a common emergency in captive reptiles, often due to inadequate terrarium conditions or the lack of a place to lay.

Veterinary emergency🦎 Reptiles

This may be a veterinary emergency

EMERGENCY: see an exotics vet if your female reptile is lethargic, is not eating and has a swollen abdomen or is straining without laying.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • The female is restless, digging or, conversely, very lethargic
  • • Loss of appetite
  • • Swelling or palpable lumps in the abdomen
  • • Straining to lay with no result
  • • Deterioration that worsens

Causes

Inadequate terrarium conditions (temperature, humidity), lack of a suitable substrate or place to lay, poor nutrition, dehydration, malformations or eggs that are too large. Females can produce eggs even without a male present.

Diagnosis

Examination by an exotics vet + X-ray or ultrasound to see the eggs.

Treatment

EMERGENCY: correct the terrarium conditions, hydration, sometimes medication to promote laying. If this does not work, surgery to remove the eggs. The sooner, the better the prognosis.

Prevention

Keep the terrarium in optimal conditions for the species, always provide a suitable place to lay, good nutrition and hydration.

When should you see the vet?

EMERGENCY: see an exotics vet if your female reptile is lethargic, is not eating and has a swollen abdomen or is straining without laying.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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