Changes

Dystocia is the retention of follicles or eggs in the female and is common in lizards (mainly iguanas) and snakes. Reptiles can resorb follicles that do not develop but sometimes this does not occur and pre-ovulatory follicular dystocia occurs.

Dystocia is the retention of follicles or eggs in the female and is common in lizards (mainly iguanas) and snakes. Reptiles can resorb follicles that do not develop but sometimes this does not occur and pre-ovulatory follicular dystocia occurs.

Female iguanas will show anorexia for at least four weeks before oviposition but will remain bright, alert and responsive. When there is no appropriate site for oviposition the developed eggs may be retained and post-ovulatory egg stasis occurs. Sometimes a number of eggs may be retained after some have been laid and again dystocia occurs. Cloacal prolapse may be associated with retained eggs.

Female iguanas will show anorexia for at least four weeks before oviposition but will remain bright, alert and responsive. When there is no appropriate site for oviposition the developed eggs may be retained and post-ovulatory egg stasis occurs. Sometimes a number of eggs may be retained after some have been laid and again dystocia occurs. [[Lizard Cloacal Prolapse|Cloacal prolapse]] may be associated with retained eggs.

'''In snakes'''

'''In snakes'''

===Examination===

===Examination===

History may include lack of a suitable nesting site or media, poor husbandry including unsuitable temperatures and inappropriate caging. Access to a mate is not necessary. Lizards with dystocia may be lethargic, depressed, non-responsive or display unusual behaviour. They may be anorexic, dehydrated and in poor physical condition. On physical examination the coelomic cavity may be enlarged and there may be palpable round masses. [[Lizard Gastrointestinal Diseases|Cloacal prolapse]] may be an associated sign.

History may include lack of a suitable nesting site or media, poor husbandry including unsuitable temperatures and inappropriate caging. Access to a mate is not necessary. Lizards with dystocia may be lethargic, depressed, non-responsive or display unusual behaviour. They may be anorexic, dehydrated and in poor physical condition. On physical examination the coelomic cavity may be enlarged and there may be palpable round masses. [[Lizard Cloacal Prolapse|Cloacal prolapse]] may be an associated sign.

Elaphe species are especially susceptible. Recent oviposition and the presence of a caudally located mass or masses are commonly associated with dystocia. On physical examination the masses are relatively firm and are often positioned just cranial to the cloaca. Tenesmus or cloacal prolapse may be present. The time from breeding to oviposition is generally not useful because of the difficulty in judging the time accurately.

Elaphe species are especially susceptible. Recent oviposition and the presence of a caudally located mass or masses are commonly associated with dystocia. On physical examination the masses are relatively firm and are often positioned just cranial to the cloaca. Tenesmus or cloacal prolapse may be present. The time from breeding to oviposition is generally not useful because of the difficulty in judging the time accurately.