Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[Scott W]

Found one of my red ackies dead last night, she had been looking lethargic for a few days and extremely dehydrated. I did soak her and try to force some food into her but no joy. Originally I thought she was gravid hence the loss of interest in food and slight shriveling of the tail.

As I keep ALL my monitors on calcium sand AND because of all the horror stories I read, I thought I had better check to find out exactly what killed her. I could definately feel something in her, I could make out 3 small lumps. This made me think that it may be more sinister than egg bound (I would expect a clutch of 8+).


Anyway below is a series of photos of her, please DO NOT scroll down if a cut open lizard is not your cup of tea!
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[Scott W]

Female ackie, as found dead.
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[Scott W]

showing badly dehydrated tail area.
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[Scott W]

first cut
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[Scott W]

showing liver and eggs.
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[Scott W]

One lung showing and the stomach, THERE WAS NO calcium sand in any organs, the animal looked 100% fine inside other than the decaying eggs.
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[Scott W]

3 eggs found, you can see the dent in one that was forced against another one.
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[Scott W]

If I have identified any of the organs wrongly feel free to correct me, I'm no biologist
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[Scott W]

My conclusion to the death is obviously that the female died egg bound.

Why did she die egg bound is what the problem is. I believe that she should of laid her eggs a few weeks back. I have not seen any mating in the viv but my guess she may of mated a month or so ago when I swapped males about.

There has been a nest box in the viv but due to no mating activity I didn't really monitor it that closely, a few times it had dried out (obviousy making it an unsuitable nest site). I would guess that during one of the dry periods she would of wanted to lay her eggs but had nowhere suitable. Once past a certain stage she was probably either too weak or gave up searching.

Lesson - It's best to make sure all adult lizards have a suitable egg laying site even if you don't think they are gravid.
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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

[varanus]

I would also add that I make sure females that are of breeding age are offered water at least once a week due to the amount of water they must use making the eggs not sure its a reason you might have lost yours for but think its probobly a wise idea as many i know dont offer water at all
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