Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all: This is a follow-up with my Egg Bound Female. I had put some posted back in July. My 7 year old female had 8 eggs all backed up. Numerous trips to the vet resulted in 7 of the eggs be reabsorbed. However, one was still stuck Slowly but surely it moved down close to her vent. We tried to induce contractions to get her to lay the last egg, but it didn't work. More trips to the vet. We decided surgery was needed. Dr Randell of the Somers NY Animal hospital did the surgery Friday Am. She came thru it well. Lot's of stitches, but very active. I was given the egg he got out. It really wasn't very big.
This was soma journey. after all was said and done. I laid out about $1,700.00 in vet bills. X-RAYS, VISITS, SURGERY. My wife thinks I'm nuts! 'IT's ONLY A SNAKE' I have to give her credit she really isn't busting my nuts.
Bottom Line: Once she heals, a week or two. I'll give her a big fat F/T rat and move on. One heck of an experience.

Many of you sent E-mails with solide advice - Thanks again!

Mark

Glad she is alive and hope she does well for you.
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Todd Hughes

Dear Mark, I am glad to hear you and your Indigo made it through that harrowing experience. Did your Vet surgeon or yourself make any conclusions or theories on what caused her to be "egg bound"? What is her prognosis for future breeding? Were those eggs fertilized or not? Everytime I hear of this it strikes terror in my heart, but so far I have been blessed with easy ovoposition, and I want my luck to hold. Thanks for teaching us about this. Vic H.

Hi Vic:

I went thru two Vets. I have been dealing with Dr Randal for over 15 years. I have a lot of faith in him. He was on vacation when the problem presented itself so I was referred to a Dr Hess. She was sharp. Extremely expensive - one Visit was $536.00 including 2 x rays $285.00. Both vets were trying there best to avoid surgery. We attacked the problem not the cause. So, who knows ?
As for breeding. There is some history. I had a male who I guess was shooting blanks. This female would lay several infertile eggs over the previous three years. Last fall I asked Steve Fuller if he would have some of his males breed with her. Which we did. I was expecting fertile eggs. However, since the problem occurred and the eggs were stuck in her for months I don't know if they were fertile and went bad or not fertile at all .
She is a beautiful animal and I'm really glad she seems to be on the way to total recovery. I consider breeding her next year. I'm going to give her a rest

Thanks, Mark