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Once oviposition begins but does not complete within 48 hours consider:
Once oviposition begins but does not complete within 48 hours consider:
* Husbandry practices - assess temperature, nesting site, rehydration and surrounding environment.
* '''Husbandry practices''' - assess temperature, nesting site, rehydration and surrounding environment.
* Calcium administration
* '''Calcium and oxytocin injections''' - Calcium gluconate (20 ml/kg of 10%) is given followed by oxytocin (5 iu/kg IM or ICo). A second dose may be given later if no effects are observed after 1-2 hours. Vasotocin (0.01-1.0µg/kg IV or ICo) may be more effective.
* '''Physical manipulation''' – it can relieve dystocia in species where individual eggs can be palpated and gently manipulated to the cloaca. The procedure carries the risk of egg rupture, oviduct rupture, prolapse and perhaps death. Risks are decreased if this procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic.
* Physical manipulation – but a rupture or prolapse may result
* '''Percutaneous ovocentesis''' - this method involves inserting a large gauge needle through the ventrum into the egg and aspirating the contents (this method is often very successful in Elaphe species). This results in a smaller egg that may be easier to pass. Caution must be taken to not allow any of the egg contents to escape into the coelomic cavity. Aspiration must be done within the 48 hours of cessation of laying since the eggs harden making aspiration impossible. Hormonal stimulation may be used to start contractions if they do not start on their own after the aspiration. Prostaglandins have also been recommended. Antibiotics should be given prophylactically. If the eggs are not expelled within 48 hours of aspiration consider surgical removal.
* Aspiration involves inserting a needle into the egg and aspirating the contents (ovocentesis). This results in a smaller egg that may be easier to pass. Caution must be taken to not allow any of the egg contents to escape into the coelomic cavity. Aspiration must be done within the 48 hours of cessation of laying since the eggs harden making aspiration impossible. Hormonal stimulation may be used to start contractions if they do not start on their own after the aspiration. If the eggs are not expelled within 48 hours of aspiration consider surgical removal.
* If oviposition/parturition does not occur within 2 or more weeks or the reptile becomes dehydrated and lethargic, consider an ovariosalpingectomy.
* If oviposition/parturition does not occur within 2 or more weeks or the reptile becomes dehydrated and lethargic, consider an ovariosalpingectomy.