Changes

* '''Husbandry practices''' - assess temperature, nesting site, rehydration and surrounding environment.

* '''Husbandry practices''' - assess temperature, nesting site, rehydration and surrounding environment.

* '''[[Calcium|Calcium]] and [[Oxytocin|oxytocin]] injections''' - Calcium gluconate is given followed by [[Oxytocin|oxytocin]]. A second dose may be given later if no effects are observed after 1-2 hours. Vasotocin may be more effective.  

* '''[[Calcium - Reptiles|Calcium]] and [[Oxytocin|oxytocin]] injections''' - Calcium gluconate is given followed by [[Oxytocin|oxytocin]]. A second dose may be given later if no effects are observed after 1-2 hours. Vasotocin may be more effective.  

* '''Physical manipulation''' – it can relieve dystocia in species where individual eggs can be palpated and gently manipulated to the cloaca. However, this procedure carries the risk of egg rupture, oviduct rupture, prolapse and perhaps death. Risks are decreased if this procedure is carried out under general [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|anaesthetic]].   

* '''Physical manipulation''' – it can relieve dystocia in species where individual eggs can be palpated and gently manipulated to the cloaca. However, this procedure carries the risk of egg rupture, oviduct rupture, prolapse and perhaps death. Risks are decreased if this procedure is carried out under general [[Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia|anaesthetic]].   

* '''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.

* '''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.

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.

===Surgery===

===Surgery===

* [[Lizard and Snake Surgery|Surgery]] is indicated for relief of dystocia if the above fail, if there is an obstruction or if there is prolapsed devitalised oviduct tissue. Surgery may involve single or multiple salpingotomy, unilateral or bilateral salpingectomy or unilateral or bilateral ovariosalpingectomy.   

[[Lizard and Snake Surgery|Surgery]] is indicated for relief of dystocia if the above fail, if there is an obstruction or if there is prolapsed devitalised oviduct tissue. Surgery may involve single or multiple salpingotomy, unilateral or bilateral salpingectomy or unilateral or bilateral ovariosalpingectomy.   

*'''Salpingotomy procedure for snakes''':  

 

'''Salpingotomy procedure for snakes''':  

# Left ventrolateral skin incision between the first and second scale row overlying the retained egg or foetus  

# Left ventrolateral skin incision between the first and second scale row overlying the retained egg or foetus  

# Incise oviduct and remove eggs; one or several incisions may be necessary  

# Incise oviduct and remove eggs; one or several incisions may be necessary  

# Routine skin closure

# Routine skin closure

*'''Salpingotomy procedure for lizards''':  

'''Salpingotomy procedure for lizards''':  

# The initial incision for a coeliotomy is usually paramedian. Ventral midlines incisions are possible but the ventral abdominal vein may be accidently incised.

# The initial incision for a coeliotomy is usually paramedian. Ventral midlines incisions are possible but the ventral abdominal vein may be accidently incised.

# Removal of ovaries with follicles intact.

# Removal of ovaries with follicles intact.

Good nutrition and keeping lizards and snakes within their [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|preferred optimum temperature zone (POTZ)]] will decrease the incidence of maternal causes of dystocia. Iguanas that are housed in enclosures at least 2m high and can climb up and down for eating appear to have fewer incidences of dystocia. The best prevention for dystocia is neutering. However, the adrenals must be avoided since they are suspended in the mesorchium or mesovarium

Good nutrition and keeping lizards and snakes within their [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|preferred optimum temperature zone (POTZ)]] will decrease the incidence of maternal causes of dystocia. Iguanas that are housed in enclosures at least 2m high and can climb up and down for eating appear to have fewer incidences of dystocia. The best prevention for dystocia is neutering. However, the adrenals must be avoided since they are suspended in the mesorchium or mesovarium

[[Category:Lizard Reproductive Diseases|D]]

[[Category:Lizard Reproductive Diseases|D]]

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]