Reptile dystocia

Question 1

Basics fact about reproduction

Answer 1

Most lay eggs (oviparous)

Some (mostly boas) are live-bearers (viviparous)

Process of laying should be one and done event

Large number of eggs (except geckos)

Question 2

particularity of dystocia depending on reptile

Answer 2

Lizards: Can become debilitated rapidly

snakes: Can tolerate egg binding longer

Chelonians: can tolerate non obstructive dystocia longer, can send eggs into the bladder

Veiled chameleons: dystocia is very common especially first clutch
Predisposing factors: hypocalcemia, no nest spot. Chameleons with dystocia go downhill rapidly : address hydration and calcium pre op

Question 3

Signs of dystocia in turtles

Answer 3

restless, digging, trying to get out of tank, often off feed

Normal gravid vs dystocia = hard to tell

Question 4

Diagnostic of dystocia in a turtle

Answer 4

History form
AXR
aPOCUS in femoral fossa PRM

Question 5

Tratment of dystocia in turtle

Answer 5

If not obstructive: Oxytocin almost always works

If caudal egg is to big, stuck in pelvis, collapse percutaneously first

IF egg are too large to pass, misshapen eggs, oxytocin is contraindicated. Surgery rDVM if needed