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J Herpe Med Surg 10[2]:31-32 Summer'00 Case Report 4 Refs

HISTORY A 238 g, wild-caught, adult female black tree monitor, Varanus prasinus beccarii, was presented for mild lethargy and apparently was gravid. The monitor had an excellent appetite immediately preceding presentation and had displayed repeated interest in the attached nest chamber. RADIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS Two persistent, well-calcified eggs without oviposition. The eggs are unchanged in positioning, size, and appearance on the films, and appeared intact. Radiographically, there was not evidence of coelomitis; this was supported by hematology profiles taken throughout this event. COMMENTS Conservative management was attempted at seven months after initial presentation. A protracted observation period followed this and was intended to create a minimal stress environment to encourage normal nesting behavior. However, not unexpectedly, this was unsuccessful. Surgical management in this case was therefore required at 19 months after initial presentation. A standard ventral midline celiotomy was performed. Both eggs were located exactly as they were imaged radiographically, outside the reproductive tract just cranial to the infundibulum and nested in substantial accumulations of intracoelomic adipose tissue. The eggs were removed intact with inconsequential hemorrhage, the coelom lavaged with physiologic saline, and closure made with PDS in a two layer, interrupted pattern for the muscle wall and skin. An external seal of tissue glue was placed on the skin. The egg contents were cultured using standard aerobic microbial techniques and found to be sterile. In the post-operative period, this lizard recovered well and returned to a breeding situation at three months. The pair bred regularly since reintroduction but the female has not yet been confirmed gravid by radiography.