Induction of the oviposition in bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) with postovulatory egg retention (dystocia) - a case report

Abstract

A 2-year-old bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), was admitted to the Clinic due to interrupted oviposition. The lizard had laid 1 egg with an insufficiently calcified eggshell 4 days before admission. The lizard was lethargic, without appetite and had been digging the substrate inside the terrarium. During the clinical examination, hard consistency formations were palpable in the coelom. Ultrasound and X-ray findings confirmed the presence of 14 calcified eggs in the coelom cavity. The diagnosis suggested postovulatory dystocia. Therapy included rehydration of the patient and induction of oviposition. Two doses of calcium borogluconate were administrated i/m (35 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg after 30 minutes) and oxytocin (5 IU) was also given intramuscularly. Within the next 20 hours the patient laid 14 calcified eggs. On X-ray follow up 24 hours after therapy, no retained eggs were observed so the animal was released from the Clinic. The owners were advised that the current diet should be supplemented with calcium and phosphorus in the prescribed daily dose, to prevent future dystocia. On the next oviposition the animal successfully laid 38 calcified eggs. This case report describes the clinical presentation and diagnosis of dystocia and a therapeutic protocol for induction of oviposition in a bearded dragon. The described hormonal protocol is important due to the fact that the oxytocin causes induction of the oviposition more than 72 hours from commencing the oviposition which is different from the findings of other authors who reported that its effect only lasts up to 72 hours.