Sophie is a one-year-old female Bearded Dragon lizard that presented with a two week history of not eating on her own and of digging excessively in her enclosure. Her owner had been force-feeding her since she had stopped eating. Sophie is housed alone in an aquarium. Slate is used as the substrate. Appropriate heat range is maintained in the aquarium by reptile lights.

Sophie the day before her appointement
(select to enlarge)

The owner is well informed in the care and husbandry of Bearded Dragons and Sophie is in very good health. Her diet is varied and she is offered a wide range of insects and greens.

On physical exam, her abdomen appeared distended. Her nails were short from digging at the slate. Other than that, she was in perfect shape and condition.

An x-ray was taken to better evaluate why her abdomen was as full as it appeared. On the x-ray, multiple oval opacities were seen in the abdomen. This was consistent with eggs.

X-ray of Sophie (select to enlarge)

Since Sophie was in very good physical condition and was not exhibiting any signs of actively trying to pass the eggs, it was recommended to add sand or dirt to the enclosure so that Sophie would have an appropriate place to lay her eggs. The owner was informed that if she did not pass any eggs within a day or so, she would need to be rechecked.

The owner took her home and immediately placed some sand in the enclosure with Sophie.

Sophie in the process of laying eggs (select to enlarge)

The next morning the owner telephoned to report that after getting home and placing sand in the enclosure, Sophie laid 23 eggs. .

Sophie's eggs(select to enlarge)

Picture of Sophie after laying her eggs. Notice how much thinner her abdomen appears!

Sophie after laying eggs (select to enlarge)