3188. Oxytocin in red-eared sliders and reptiles

Non-obstructive Egg retention
Use of Oxytocin in combination with calcium (calcium glubionae).

1) Calcium glubionate  10-50 mg/kg IM as needed until calcium levels back to normal or egg retention is resolved. 

2) To induce oviposition:
1-30 IU/kg. 

10 IU/kg appears effective in many chelonians. Success means all eggs are laid with two injections. Egg laying usually starts around 60 minutes after the injection. Repeat a second injection 24-48 hours later, if there is still egg retention.

With 2 to 4 IU/kg, there may be success, but egg laying may take several hours.  

May repeat in several hours, but risk of oviduct rupture if cloacoa is obstructed or eggs cannot pass for other reasons. Take X-rays to check for obstruction.


CASE STUDIES
1.   A 10-year-old red-eared slider cannot lay eggs
Oxytocin 2 IU/kg IM. Laid all 3 eggs within 4 hours.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3zfw0oh99M


OXYTOCIN USAGE IN 2 RED-EARED SLIDER CASES IN TOA PAYOH VETS, SINGAPORE

Case 1,  Jan 9, 2019.  RES, F, 7 yrs. 

With oxytocin and calcium injections,

All 5 eggs were laid within 2 hours. Less suffering (restless, anorexia, vocalising) and worries for the owner as compared to egg retention lasting several days in October 2018.

Case 2,  Oct 19, 2018.  RES, F, 7 yrs. Without oxytocin and calcium injections, but just after my X-rays. 

The owner prefers the injections as there is much to worry about the lethargy, restlessness and loss of appetite during the process of 2-3 weeks.  

Case 3. Regular clutches of eggs every 2-3 weeks naturally. This frequency is normal in some red-eared sliders. Some lay clutches of eggs monthly or three times a year. 
 

Egg binding/egg retention is caused by diarrhoea. After treatment for diarrhoea, the slider lays eggs naturally.