Dystocia in a Sand Boa
A ten year old female Kenyan sand boa presented for evaluation of a possible dystocia. The snake was expected to give birth approximately 3 months prior to presentation. During that time, the patient was noted to have non-productive contractions and developed a malodorous discharge. The referring veterinarian took radiographs confirming the presence of multiple fetuses. A dose of oxytocin was administered and resulted in non-productive contractions. On presentation following referral, the patient was bright and active with caudal coelomic distention. Reproductive ultrasound confirmed the presence of fetal skeletons, as well as a heterogenous soft tissue structure cranial to the fetuses. No fetal heartbeats were appreciated. A diagnosis of dystocia with non-viable fetuses was made. An exploratory celiotomy was performed and a left oviduct rupture was discovered. Necrotic debris and adhesions were removed and a bilateral ovariosalpingectomy was performed. Unfortunately, the patient underwent cardiac arrest during recovery and was declared dead.