Egg binding (also known as dystocia) occurs when a female ackie monitor is unable to lay her eggs.
Symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Inactivity
- Straining
- Swollen cloaca
Cause
- Substrate not deep enough to create suitable nest site
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Poor muscle tone
- Illness
- Abnormal reproductive anatomy
Treatment
Egg binding is life-threatening if left untreated, and can affect female ackie monitors even when they have not mated with a male. If you suspect egg binding in your ackie, make an appointment with an experienced reptile veterinarian immediately.