Singapore Owners are much more sophisticated nowadays as they have access to internet knowledge. Vets have to be updated and perform. If they can't resolve the problem e.g. in egg binding, it is unlikely they can get a second chance. It will be best to turn down the slider or refer it to other vets.
Singapore is an island state with over 80% of the population staying in high rise apartments.
older housing estates - Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh
Toa Payoh town
The country is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Mask wearing is mandatory to protect the wearer from spreading respiratory droplets to others.
Durians are popular. Here are the durian sellers and their customers wearing masks. A fine of $300 if you are caught not wearing face mask in public.
As at July 2, 2020, there is the general election in progress. In my Yio Chu Kang consitutency, there are only 2 candidates.
in the Group serving the Yio Chu Kang ward
Some Singaporeans keep song birds. See the cages (flash image of cages above) of the red whiskered bulbul basking in the sun.
Red-eared sliders are the only approved turtle be kept as pets. They need little space in apartments.
Majority of pets are dogs and cats.
In this case, the owner diagnosed egg binding as she saw two large swellings on both backsides of her 20-year-old slider.
After one week of switching from feeding vegetables to commercial pellets, the slider still had not laid eggs. She consulted Toa Payoh Vets.
"My Wu-Gui has egg binding," she said. "Look at the swellings in her backside, near the vent!"
"Your slider is 20 years old. Has she laid eggs before?" I asked.
"No, no, no," the lady said. "I would have had seen the eggs inside the water!
"You will not use the saw to cut open my Wu-Gui, She is 20 years old. I don't want her cut open!"
X-rays showed two eggs. But they were far away from the cloaca. The two backside swellings were pelvic bones and muscles. The treatment was hormonal. Oxytocin and calcium.
"It will take an hour to two hours after the injection to lay eggs!"
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VIDEO FROM DR SING. 2 PARTS.
PART 1 - UP TO DIAGNOSIS
Use "transistion slides" with text to give notice of incoming videos.
e.g. Part 2 of the Video discusses (see below)
PART 2 - TREATMENT
1. Hormonal and calcium. The vet has to give sufficient dosage of oxytocin. Too little, ineffective, too late (owner waited too long), ineffective.
IMAGES OF BOTTLES OF OXYTOCIN AND CALCIUM
2. Ovocentesis (if egg is stuck at the cloaca)
OUTCOME
OXYTOCIN EFFECTIVE IN SOME CASES IF TREATED IN TIME
2 HOURS USUALLY
DOSAGE MUST BE SUFFICIENT. 10 - 30 I.U /KG Calcium injection advised.
TIPS AND ADVICES
1. Internet knowledge. Many pet owners have good knowledge of the medical conditions and treatment of their pets by surfing the net. In this case, the owner diagnosed "egg binding" correctly.
2. Early treatment of egg binding is important as it affects the appetite and threatens the life of the pet.
3. X-rays are important aid in th ediagnosis of egg binding.
CREDITS
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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RESEARCH NOTES:
Egg-binding, also referred to as 'dystocia,' 'egg retention,' or 'post-ovulatory stasis' is common in many reptile species, including iguanas, snakes, and turtles. In many cases it is preventable with good nutrition and husbandry. It is extremely important to determine the cause of the egg-binding prior to treatment. Do NOT try to treat egg-binding yourself - always take your herp to a veterinarian.
What is egg-binding?
Egg-binding occurs when a female cannot pass the mature eggs formed in her reproductive system. In one survey it was found to occur in approximately 10% of the reptile population. It is reported more often in snakes and turtles, and less so in lizards. It is unclear if the difference is due to more snakes and turtles being bred, or if there actually is more dystocia in these species.
Complications of egg-binding include death of the young or eggs, peritonitis, inflammation and scarring of the reproductive tract leading to decreased fertility in the future, and death of the female.
What causes egg-binding?
Egg-binding can be due to:
- An anatomical defect in the female causing an obstructive dystocia, which makes it physically impossible for the egg to pass
- An overly large or malformed egg, or one that is not positioned correctly, is broken, or joined to other eggs (fractured)
- Poor condition of the mother (e.g., inactivity can lead to poor muscle tone and the inability to produce strong, repeated contractions). A female may become exhausted before she completes laying of all the eggs.
- Lack of or improper nesting site. A private, quiet area is needed, with the correct depth and selection of substrate for the species. (Lizards, especially, may make repeated attempts at digging a nest, but then never lay down to lay the eggs if the right nesting material is not present.)
- Improper temperature or incorrect temperature cycling, improper humidity, and/or incorrect lighting or photoperiod
- Malnutrition, especially if resulting in hypocalcemia (low blood levels of calcium). Obesity may also be a cause of egg binding.
- Dehydration
- Stress, such as overcrowding or too small of an enclosure.
- Hormonal or disease conditions such as infections of the reproductive organs, dehydration, or kidney disease (kidneys may become enlarged and partially block the pelvic area.)
- Breeding animals that are too young or too old, ill, or not in good condition. Excessive breeding of the same animal may also result in dystocia.
What are the signs of egg-binding?
The signs of egg-binding differ by species.
Snakes: In many cases, some eggs may be laid, but there remains a swelling in the caudal (towards the tail) half of the body. This may be hard to determine in large, well-muscled snakes such as pythons. Snakes may be egg-bound for days without showing any abnormal signs. Some snakes may show birthing efforts but are not able to produce an egg. They may become more active and show signs of discomfort by writhing.
Turtles: Turtles, as with snakes, may show few signs that they are egg-bound. Some may become depressed, have swelling at the cloaca or show breathing difficulties. They may strain, raise their hind quarters and dig with their hind feet without producing any eggs.
Lizards: Although normal gravid (pregnant) lizards may appear to have swollen abdomens and not be eating, they remain alert and active. Lizards with egg-binding rapidly become depressed, inactive, and lethargic. They may also raise their hind quarters and strain without producing any eggs. This is a serious condition, and could lead to death in several days.
How is egg-binding diagnosed?
Determining whether an animal is egg-bound versus normally gravid, can be very difficult. In most cases, radiographs (x-rays) will be taken to determine the size, shape, number, and location of any retained egg(s). Ultrasound can also be used. The history is important including the date of mating, dates of shedding, and how long ago the signs appeared. A physical examination, together with laboratory testing, may help rule out other possible causes of the signs including consitpation, urinary stones, and tumors.
How is egg-binding treated?
In general, if the signs are mild, treatment is conservative, with correction of any husbandry problems. For snakes and turtles who have already laid some eggs, unless an obvious abnormality is found, treatment is usually withheld for 48 hours. If given the right nesting material, and the proper and quiet environmental conditions, many females will start to produce eggs. If the female produces no eggs within 48 hours, additional treatment is usually begun. If no eggs have been laid, and an obvious dystocia is present, treatment should begin immediately.
For lizards, treatment should begin immediately. If the animal is dehydrated, that condition should be treated prior to treatment to remove the egg.
The four main courses of treatment include:
- Physical manipulation
- Hormonal stimulation
- Removal of the egg contents (ovocentesis)
- Surgical removal of the eggs.
PHYSICAL MANIPULATION
Very experienced herpetologists or reptilian veterinarians may try gently applying pressure to produce the egg, after lubricating the cloaca. This must be done with extreme care since it could cause rupture of the reproductive tract, a prolapse (the reproductive tract is pushed through the cloaca inside out), and death. Some have advocated warm water baths, which may stimulate the production of the egg.
HORMONAL STIMULATION
Injections of oxytocin or arginine vasotocin can cause contraction of the reproductive tract and the passing of the egg. (Oxytocin is the hormone produced by mammals; arginine vasotocin is the reptilian equivalent. It is very expensive and unstable, however.) In some instances, calcium may be given by injection prior to the use of hormones. Neither oxytocin or arginine vasotocin should be used if there is an obstruction. It could cause rupture of the reproductive tract or the egg, bleeding, and possibly death. To be most effective, either of these hormones should be given within the first 48 hours of dystocia. Hormones are most effective in turtles, in which over 90% respond. They can also be beneficial in lizards, and are least effective (less than 50%) in snakes.
Treatments with other hormones (estrogen and progesterone) along with calcium or propanolol (an anesthetic) have been attempted, however, more research needs to be performed to determine their safety and effectiveness.
OVOCENTESIS
In snakes, the contents of the retained egg can be removed by passing a needle through the skin and into the egg, and withdrawing the liquid contents (percutaneous ovocentesis). This will make the egg smaller, and easier to pass. This procedure, too, has risks. The contents of the egg must not leak out into the snake, or a severe inflammation can develop. This procedure needs to be performed within 48 hours of the onset of dystocia or the contents of the egg will become too solid to be removed.
In turtles, the contents of the egg can be removed also if the egg is visible at the cloaca, and the needle can be inserted directly into the egg (cloacal ovocentesis).
Ovocentesis is not commonly used in lizards.
SURGICAL REMOVAL
In a snake, if the above treatments have not been successful, the snake should be anesthetized. With the resulting relaxation, it may be possible to gently physically manipulate the egg and remove it. Extreme care must be used. If that is not successful, surgery to remove the eggs is indicated.
Surgical removal of eggs in turtles is more complicated, but can be performed. Recovery time usually is much longer for these species.
In a lizard, if there are many eggs, and there is no intention of breeding her, the reproductive tract can be removed along with the eggs. This will prevent recurrence of the problem, and is also a much faster procedure requiring less anesthetic time and easier recovery. The reproductive tract is very thin and delicate, making it very difficult to suture back together.
What is the prognosis for herps who are egg-bound?
If the female is healthy, most animals will recover and have an excellent prognosis. In most cases, the female will continue to be able to reproduce if the reproductive tract was not damaged or removed. A snake who has been egg-bound, may be more prone to the condition in the future. If the condition was due to husbandry or malnutrition and these were not corrected, the condition is more likely to recur.
How is egg-binding prevented?
Proper husbandry and nutrition are key, and some veterinarians suggest 99% of the problems could be avoided through proper management. Only the animals in the best condition, size, and correct breeding age should be used for breeding. Those who have had prior reproductive problems may need to be removed from the breeding program.
It is vitally important to provide the appropriate nesting location, substrate, temperature, and humidity for the species. Cages should be located in a quiet area and be of adequate size with appropriate furnishings to allow females room to move about and maintain muscle tone. Proper nutrition, including adequate mineral intake are essential. Good record-keeping of mating and shedding dates may help in determining if dystocia is present.
Many female lizards, such as iguanas, can produce eggs without the presence of a male, so merely isolating the female from the male will not prevent the condition.
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Egg-binding is a serious and often fatal condition that affects female birds of breeding age. Since it's so important for egg-bound hens to receive prompt medical treatment, owners should know what signs and symptoms to watch for in their pets. If left untreated, death can occur within hours, especially for the smallest birds.
What Is Egg-Binding?
Egg-binding is when an egg takes longer than usual to pass out of the reproductive tract. This most commonly occurs in smaller birds such as parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, canaries, and finches. Young birds reproducing for the first time and older hens are the most vulnerable to egg-binding. It can also occur in reptiles.
Symptoms of Egg-Binding in Birds
Recognizing the signs of egg-binding early on is key to your pet's survival. If you observe any of the following symptoms, contact an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet can properly diagnose your pet's problem and get it on the road to a fast recovery.
- Rapid or labored breathing: Many egg-bound hens look like they are having a hard time breathing. Even slightly labored breathing is a symptom of egg-binding.
- Swelling: An egg-bound hen may appear to have a swollen stomach or show swelling around her bottom from straining to pass an egg. Birds with swelling on any part of their bodies should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Constipation: If you suspect that a hen may be egg-bound, watch her droppings. You should assume there's a problem if they look abnormal or if she fails to produce any at all.
- Fluffed-up feathers: One of the most common symptoms of illness in birds, fluffed-up feathers can also be a sign that a bird is egg-bound. If you observe your bird sitting with her feathers fluffed up, assess her for any other symptoms or abnormalities.
- Straining: Egg-bound hens often visibly strain to try and pass their eggs. Egg-binding should be suspected in birds that strain but show no progress in moving their eggs.
- Sitting on the cage floor: Most of the time, birds that are egg-bound tend to sit on the cage floor. Eggs that are stuck inside of a hen can put immense pressure on the bird's spine, sometimes causing paralysis and the inability to perch.
- Drooping of the wings: Canaries might exhibit this symptom the most.
- Lameness: This occurs when the egg puts pressure on the nerves going to the legs.
- Loss of appetite: This is a common symptom of several illnesses, but if you notice your bird is not eating, assess it for other signs of egg-binding.
Causes of Egg-Binding
It's hard to determine the exact cause of egg-binding. Some may be due to the bird's age, as young birds laying eggs for the first time and older birds seem to be more at risk. Other potential causes include an obese hen, a sedentary lifestyle, nutritional issues such as calcium deficiency or low protein diets, stress from the environment, or a malformed egg. It is a reasonably common condition.
Treatment
A bird suffering from egg-binding should be seen by a veterinarian right away. He or she can help determine if the egg is stuck far inside or near the cloaca. It is possible for a bound egg to be massaged out. This should be done by a vet or an experienced pet owner. Another option is a warm water bath or even a steam room. This can help relax the muscles, which may help the hen pass the egg on its own.
If the massage and natural methods don't extract the egg, it may be necessary to break the egg while it is still in the hen and remove it in parts. If this occurs, the vet will use a needle to remove the contents of the egg, which will cause the egg to collapse. The vet will then clean the hen's oviduct to remove any shell fragments or egg residue. Leaving anything in the hen could lead to infection or internal tissue damage.
Another option is for the vet to use an injectable drug, which may help cause the oviduct to contract and expel the egg. Upon examination, the vet will determine the best course of action.
How to Prevent Egg-Binding
Since egg-binding is a common condition, it is hard to completely prevent it. It's best to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your hen, with proper nutrition and a life free of environmental stressors. Keeping daily watch on your hens will help you know their habits and be better aware if they are displaying any symptoms of egg-binding.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
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