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Lizard Reproductive System (view source)

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Females have paired ovaries and oviducts, which enter into the urodeum of the cloaca. The oviduct is divided into four regions: infundibulum; magnus (secretes albumin); uterus (secretes membrane); and vagina. Dystocia is common and may be pre-ovulatory or post-ovulatory. Fertilization is internal.

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~~==Sexing==~~

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~~Gender identification in juvenile animals may be challenging; however, most lizard species display sexual dimorphism as adults.~~

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* The most reliable method of determining gender is usually by comparing pore sizes. Indeed, adult male lizards tend to have large femoral and precloacal pores on the ventral aspect of the thighs; on the other hand, adult females have smaller, more discrete pores, similar to those seen in juvenile male lizards.

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* Sexing probes (cloacal probing) can also be used in iguanas and monitors but aren't as consistently accurate as they are in snakes.

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* Injecting saline solution (hydrostatic eversion) into the base of the tail in order to evert the hemipenis is another technique. However, care must be taken to avoid trauma to the hemipenis and prevent pressure necrosis. This method can be useful for species that are difficult to sex such as monitors, Tegus, large skinks, Beaded Lizards and Gila Monsters.

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* Temporary eversion of the hemipenes in anaesthetized males can be done by applying gentle pressure at the base of the tail, just caudal to the cloaca.

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* In some species, such as iguanas, the hemipenes in mature males will calcify and appear visible on radiographs.

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* Endoscopy can be used to visualize gonads.

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* Ultrasonic evaluation of the gonads or hemipenes is also possible.

Clamy

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Lizard Reproductive System (view source)

Revision as of 21:23, 2 March 2010

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