16/03/2026
Oscar’s Story 🐍
Oscar, a beautiful 17-year-old pine snake, usually laid 7–15 eggs like clockwork every year. Recently, however after laying nine, her owners noticed she seemed lethargic. They already provided a nice damp nest box and warm baths to help with hydration but wanted to be sure she was okay and brought her in to see Dr Catherine.
A physical exam and x-ray showed two eggs still present towards the end of her reproductive tract. Oscar was given calcium and oxytocin injections, which encourage the muscles involved in egg laying to contract. A couple of days later she successfully passed the first retained egg, but sadly the second was a little more stubborn...
A week later, having not laid the second egg, another x-ray showed it had moved further down and was just inside the cloaca. With lubricant, fluids, and repeat medications in hospital, Oscar later passed the final egg 🎉We’re very pleased to say Oscar is now back to her normal self!
Post-ovulatory stasis or 'egg binding/retention' in reptiles can occur for a variety of health issues, husbandry factors, and age. If you notice lethargy, straining, or abnormal eggs it’s always worth getting your reptile checked by an experienced exotic vet.
Remember that female reptiles will still lay eggs even without a male, which places huge demands on their bodies. Providing an optimal environment, nutrition, and nesting opportunities can help reduce the risk of egg retention.
If you’re concerned about your reptile’s behaviour after laying or would like to book a general health and husbandry check with us, please give us a call!
Well done to Oscar and her attentive owners for acting quickly! 👏
