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Postovulatory egg retention (dystocia) in bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) - a case report

Postovulatory egg retention (egg binding/dystocia) is one of the most common reproductive disorders in captive female lizards, resulting in difficulties or complete inability of oviposition. Mechanical obstruction of the oviduct, large number of eggs or insufficient calcification of eggshell and Metabolic Bone Disease are the most common causes of egg retention in reptiles. A 2 year- old bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), weighing 300g was admitted to the Faculty Clinic due to interrupted oviposition. Four days before admission, the lizard layed one egg with an insufficiently calcified eggshell. From that time the lizard had been lethargic, without appetite and had been digging holes in substrate of terrarium. The animal is kept in adequate conditions. The owners did not add calcium supplement to its diet, so that may be a possible reason for unsuccessful oviposition. During clinical examination, hard consistency formations were palpable on ventral side of the distended celom. The lizard did not respond to pain during palpation. Ultrasound and X - ray findings confirmed the presence of 14 calcified eggs in the caudal region of the celom. There was no presence of free fluid in the coelomic cavity. Due to the fact that the eggs were well calcified, the diagnosis suggested post- ovulatory dystocia. Therapy included rehydration and stabilization of the patient (warm Ringer lactat+ 5% glucose 2% body weight s/c) and induction of oviposition. Calcium borogluconate at a dose of 35 mg/kg was administrated i/m. After 30 minutes, a second dose of Ca-borogluconate (50mg/ kg i/m) was administrated and 5 IU of oxytocin was given i/m. The animal was released from the Clinic to proceed with oviposition in her own terrarium. Within the next 20 hours the patient laid 14 calcified eggs. On X-ray follow up 24 hours after therapy, no presence of retained eggs were observed. The owners were advised that the current diet should be supplemented with calcium in the prescribed daily dose, to prevent future dystocia.

bearded dragon, egg retention

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