Endoscopy-guided ectopic egg removal from the urinary bladder in a leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Herpetology
• Comparative Biology

Background:

• Egg retention, or dystocia, is a critical condition in female reptiles.
• Urinary bladder egg impaction can cause significant health issues in tortoises.
• Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are vital for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a minimally invasive endoscopic technique for removing a retained urinary bladder egg in a leopard tortoise.
• To document the successful application of a modified polypectomy snare for egg extraction.
• To report the complete recovery of the tortoise post-procedure.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis of urinary bladder egg retention using radiography.
• Confirmation of diagnosis via cystoscopy.
• Surgical removal of the egg using a flexible endoscope, insufflation, and a modified polypectomy snare.

Main Results:

• Successful removal of the retained egg from the urinary bladder.
• No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed.
• The leopard tortoise exhibited a full recovery following the procedure.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic removal of urinary bladder eggs is a safe and effective treatment for tortoises.
• Minimally invasive techniques can resolve egg retention without significant morbidity.
• This approach offers a viable alternative to traditional surgical methods for egg removal.