Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a Cal about 5 yrs of age that just laid 10 eggs... The problem is there are still 2 more in her, one right at the bottom. For whatever reason, she seems to be stuck. It's been like that for at least 3.5 hours. I'm concerned, and if anybody has any suggestions to help remedy I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Maybe, I'm certainly no expert but waiting this out without stressing her out would be option 1 for me. 3 1/2 hours doesn't seem awfully long to me, even though most push them out one right after the other until done. Do you think they are abnormally larger than the others? I do know that they will die if in there too long but how long is too long? Next step in option 1 is get her to a great reptile vet tomorrow if possible, they may be able to manipulate them out successfully, but if they are stuck to the uterine wall, you will need to have them removed. This is just my advice and I don't think anyone should try this at home unless they understand the full consequences of attempting this. She could die if you do it wrong, but IF she IS egg bound, she COULD die if you don't do something. It is your choice, hard, but your choice to make. I would wait until tomorrow and not stress her. After this is all over, give her the year off and get her some exercise!
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Todd Hughes

Thanks for the response. Very sound advice indeed. I truly feel something is awry, it's been almost 6 hours now. But I will try and get her to see a vet tomorrow, assuming the vet is around. I definitely do not want to lose her... Thanks again!

Ok, vet took care of it. Manipulated the egg closest to vent out and used a needle to suck out the innards of the other, and then a shot to help her push it out. The vet thinks the egg was very large... but I dunno. Bottom line is.... she is well!

Good to know you didn't lose her, good luck with the eggs you got...
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~Maggie~

"Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious."
1.1 Cal Kings (Spot and Fry)
1.0 Florida King (Gamble)
1.0 Ball Python (Mitch)
0.1 Red Belly Piranha (Fluffy)
1.0 Australian Shepherd (Spooky)
1.0 Springer Spaniel/Beagle mix (Snoopy)
0.1 Cat (Ecco)

Curious, was the egg manipulated out good or wrecked during the process? Was it normal? Great to hear she came out okay, you made a great choice, we lost a very important clutch this year except for the one viable egg that was layed before the binding. One of the eggs was stuck to her uterine wall and she is now out of the game but alive and well.
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Todd Hughes

Sounds like your vet knew his stuff. Not always the case for herps.

Generally snakes can go for days if not weeks before they have any complications from egg retention. The biggest problem is the eggs adhering to the oviduct wall. After which, surgery is the only option. Aspirating the egg contents works well especially for single eggs near the vent. This procedure should be done within a few days as the contents of the egg will solidify eventually, making aspiration impossible. Did your female pass the remains of the second egg right away after the vet induced contractions again? Sometimes this can take several days.

Glad things went well for you.
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Rick Staub