Dystocia in Pet Giant African Land Snails

Giant African Land Snails originate from Africa. Although these snails are becoming more popular as exotic pets in Europe, there is a lack of comprehensive information about their diseases and how to treat them. Reported medical issues included failures in husbandry and feeding (often leading to aestivation, calcium deficiency or renal disease), trauma, poison, prolapse, and ecto- and endoparasites, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. Although their reproductive system has been well studied, dystocia has not yet been reported in terrestrial snail species.

Two cases of dystocia in pet Giant African Land Snails are presented. Case 1 involved a 5.5-year-old Lissachatina fulica with esophageal prolapse and severe chronic dystocia, as indicated by radiographic and computed tomographic findings, ultimately leading to euthanasia. Case 2 involved a 3-year-old Lissachatina albopicta also affected by dystocia, with computed tomography again showing findings consistent with the diagnosis, but subsequently laying most of the pathological clutch with supportive, conservative treatment.

Dystocia in Giant African Land Snails is a significant health concern that can lead to severe complications and mortality. Early diagnosis using imaging techniques is crucial for identifying reproductive issues and determining appropriate treatment strategies. However, because these terrestrial snails have an open circulatory system and vascular anatomy remains incompletely characterized, the reproductive tract remains difficult to access surgically. Furthermore, there is currently insufficient evidence to support hormonal induction of oviposition as a therapeutic approach for egg retention in this species. Consequently, conservative management remains the primary supportive therapy.