Egg binding occurs when females of egg-laying reptiles are unable to pass an egg. Like chickens, these female reptiles are capable of producing eggs even when there is no male. Affected female reptiles appear restless and may repeatedly try to find places where they can dig. Frequent straining is also evident as they try to void out the egg. Their cloaca, that part where the intestinal and uro-genital tracts converge and discharge may also be swollen. Without proper medical attention, the female reptile may become depressed and lethargy soon sets in. There may also be protrusion of some tissues in the opening of the cloaca. There are various causes of egg binding which have been identified. These include malnutrition, an underlying illness, eggs that are misshapen or large, weak muscles, injuries or disorders that affect the pelvic bones narrowing the passage, or poor environmental conditions (such as inaccurate humidity levels or temperature gradients) inside the vivarium. If you notice any of these symptoms or your pet reptile appears unwell, call your animal hospital Marietta, GA immediately.
