Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Big female tri-hog laid her first ever clutch of eggs about 36 hours ago and the last egg has been ready to come out for about 25 hours now and she just wont let it out or cant get it out. how long before I should put a small probe up her and pop that egg? I have never had this problem so I dont know how long before it will cause her harm. please let me know if you have had to deal with this first hand! thanks.

JIM

I have dealt with this issue at least once per year over the last decade or so of breeding, I have about 150 breeders so it seems someone is going to get bound. I have never had this exp with a hog though but I am sure it is pretty much the same.1st I would try soaking for 12hrs or so in warm water maybe gently try palpating it further down, take a cotton swab with mineral oil and lube her up a bit to help. If that doesn't work I would take her to a vet and have them pop the egg so it can pass,if you wait too long (48hrs -72hrs)it could harden into a rubbery mass that has to be palpated out which can be dangerous. Another thing sometimes the egg is deformed and way too big to pass, in this case I would take her to a vet immediately and see what they can do, if it is too high up they can take a needle insert it into the abdomen and drain the fluid that way, but this is risky and can lead to infection.
Usually if the snake has good weight and the egg isn't huge it will pass on its own but if you are feeling unsure a vets help can't hurt (as long as there a good one).
Hope this helps..

i have success with a hypodermic needle...and puncturing the egg ...aspirating fluid out...the snake usually passes the shrinken egg..i've never had any problems with this method...of course follow all antiseptic procedures....don't wait too long...........

I use a large bore needle on a syringe and aspirate the contents of the egg. The egg is usually then passed within 24 hours. I am in the medical profession so i am confident, if you arent....take her to the vets.
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www.hognose.co.uk

Just to add this has nevr happened to any of my hognose species.
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www.hognose.co.uk