Читать книгу Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Reptile and Amphibian - Javier G. Nevarez - Страница 156

 The treatment approach to dystocia is based on the species of chelonian, clinical condition at presentation, amount, and appearance of the eggs based on imaging or coelioscopy, and the ability to provide a suitable environment for egg laying.

 All chelonians will benefit from medical treatment even if surgery is ultimately required.

 Medical therapy consists of correcting the husbandry, providing an appropriate nesting area, and supportive therapy with emphasis on correcting calcium deficiencies.

 Oxytocin or arginine vasotocin can be administered as long as an obstructive process is not suspected.

 Some recommend the use of beta‐adrenergic blockers such as propranolol or atenolol before administration of oxytocin, as these drugs have been shown to potentiate the effects of oxytocin in humans due to their ability to increase uterine activity.

 It is critical to provide an appropriate nesting box. A plastic container with a mixture of equal parts sand and soil can be used.

 The depth of the nesting material should be at least equivalent to the length of the carapace.

 If the chelonian appears to be stable, medical therapy alone can be attempted and the animal monitored for evidence of egg laying.

 There are no specific timelines as to how quickly egg laying should occur once medical therapy is initiated.

 The majority of cases in which there are broken or malformed eggs require surgical intervention.

 Surgery is best performed before dystocia progresses while the animal is metabolically stable.

 Surgery should be an immediate consideration for chelonians with documented chronic dystocia, metabolic derangements, and when egg yolk coelomitis is suspected.

 The goal of surgery is to remove the eggs and perform an ovariosalpingectomy in order to avoid reoccurrence.

 Extreme care must be taken to not rupture the eggs in the coelomic cavity, as the yolk is extremely antigenic and will cause a severe inflammatory response.

 If leakage occurs, the coelomic cavity should be thoroughly lavaged before closure.