Reproductive problems in lizards

The reproductive system is responsible for the production of sperm or eggs, for mating, and also the development of offspring, and it varies depending on whether your lizard is male or female. Even if your lizard lives alone the reproductive system is still active and can develop problems.

Determining whether your lizard is male or female will depend on the species of lizard you have. Some lizards like Bearded Dragons have obvious femoral pores which mean it will be a male; females do have femoral pores but they are less prominent. With other lizard species it is much more difficult to tell the difference between male and female.
 

Male lizards have two testicles which produce sperm; they are inside the body near the kidneys. Instead of having one penis like mammals, they have two. These are called hemipenes and are found inside the vent. Only one hemipene is used at a time for mating. The hemipenes do not carry urine in the way that a mammals penis does.

The hemipenes are normally inside the vent and only come out for mating, when mating occurs the hemipenes will fill with blood and project out of the vent. If a hemipene gets stuck outside the body this is known as a prolapse; a prolapsed hemipene can become damaged and infected.

If you think your lizard has a prolapsed hemipene he needs to go to the veterinary practice. If the hemipene has suffered a lot of damage or has become infected he may need to have an operation to remove it. While awaiting taking your lizard to the veterinary practice try sitting your lizard in lukewarm water but do not attempt to push it back in as you may cause damage.

Sometimes a hemipene can become impacted with hard pus, forming an abscess which is a common condition in male lizards. It is important to keep your lizard’s house at the correct temperature and humidity and practice good hygiene in the vivarium to avoid bacterial growth. In turn a good balanced diet will promote a healthy immune system, helping to fight infection.

If you suspect your lizard has an abscessed hemipene you will need to take him to the veterinary practice. He may need to undergo a surgical operation under general anesthesia to remove the abscess or the hemipene. If a lizard does need to have a hemipene removed he will still be able to breed, as he will be able to use his other hemipene.

Female lizards have two ovaries which produce eggs; these are found inside the body near the kidneys. They also have two oviducts that are tubes along which the eggs are transported to the urodeum area of the vent.

Lizards tend to lay large numbers of rubbery eggs. If the male and female successfully mate, the eggs will hatch in approximately 40-60 days depending on the species. However, female lizards can produce eggs without mating and sometimes this can lead to problems.

Follicular stasis is a condition which occurs when the eggs do not develop properly and are without a shell. These undeveloped eggs remain inside the body and can make an affected lizard very ill.

Follicular stasis can only be corrected by spaying, an operation to remove the ovaries and oviducts. This operation can only be performed under general anesthetic and means she can no longer reproduce, but this is the only treatment for follicular stasis.

Egg binding is more common in female lizards; this is where the eggs have been made and are fully developed but they become stuck inside the body and cannot be laid. This can be treated medically by the veterinary surgeon but is sometimes not effective and the eggs need to be removed surgically under general anesthetic. Your lizard’s housing must be kept at the correct temperature; if it is too cold her body will struggle to make and lay eggs. Dehydration will also make it very difficult for your lizard to lay eggs. Calcium needs to be added more regularly to the food and it is important to check that there is adequate UV light. Researching the amounts of calcium for your particular species of lizard is advised is she is reproducing to ensure she does not become unwell from inadequate levels.

Producing eggs uses a large amount of energy, so ensure your lizard has an adequate and balanced diet. Your lizard will also need a hiding place in her house with plenty of substrate (bedding) which allows her to dig holes where she will bury her eggs.

If your lizard develops any egg-related problems she will need to visit the veterinary practice. Weekly weighing is a good indication to allow you to monitor if your lizard has egg or follicle related problems.