When a female iguana is unable to expel eggs from her reproductive tract, she is said to be experiencing a condition known as egg binding. It only occurs in females who have reached sexual maturity. This condition is extremely serious and can prove to be fatal in mere days. You may be wondering what exactly causes this.
Causes
Your iguana can suffer from egg binding for many reasons. One common reason is the production of large or malformed eggs. Some females are unable to pass eggs because they were born with an anatomical defect. If you don’t provide them with a proper nesting site, some females will procrastinate until the eggs are too large to pass. Kidney disease, lack of calcium, and obesity are other common causes.
Symptoms
Pregnant iguanas can have swollen abdomens. However, this sign is also common in females who are egg bound. Egg bound iguanas also typically experience lethargy and depression. Although they will keep straining to lay eggs, they won’t be able to.
Diagnosis
Initially, a physical exam may be performed. However, the vet may be unable to determine if the iguana is indeed egg bound. An x-ray will likely need to be performed in order to make a definitive diagnosis. An ultrasound and x-ray can help determine if eggs are present and their location in the reproductive tract.
Treatment
There are several ways to deal with egg binding. If he is experienced enough, he may elect to lubricate the cloaca and gently try to coax the egg out. However, this method is very risky. If the egg breaks open inside the female’s body, it will usually be fatal. Surgery is a more common option. Sometimes, the reproductive tract will be removed during surgery to prevent the problem from recurring.
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