was prepared asceptically for surgery. An incision was
made just off the midline to avoid the large blood vessel
that runs down the centre of the body. Once inside, the
foetal sacs were elevated gently so as to not rupture them
(image 4). The blood vessels were ligated using special
stainless steel clips (haemoclips), which can be clearly
seen on the final x-ray as small bright lines (image 5).
Once the sacs had been removed, the dedicated nursing
team opened them to extract the perfectly formed,
miniature blue-tongues. The remaining yolk sac was
saved, as this would be the neonates’ first meal; a
phenomenon called postnatal lecithotrophy. Soon after
they were all safely removed, they were eating and
drinking for the first time (video 2). All twelve offspring
(6 normal phenotype and 6 hypermelanistic) survived the
surgery (image 6), during which the female was also
spayed, as the owner did not wish to breed from her
again. Interestingly, a recent case presented at the 2017
Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Vets conference
discussed the successful caesarian of a Shingleback that
went on to reproduce in a subsequent season. So, if the
female is stable enough, this may be a viable option!
Munns, S. & Daniels, C., 2006. Breathing with big babies:
ventilation and oxygen consumption during pregnancy in
the lizard Tiliqua rugosa. Physiol Biochem Zool. 2007 Jan-
Feb; 80(1): 35-45. Epub 2006 Nov 29.
Munns, S. L., Edwards, A., Nicol, S. & Frappell, P. B., 2015.
Pregnancy limits lung function during exercise and de-
presses metabolic rate in the skink Tiliqua nigrolutea. J Exp
Biol. 2015 Mar; 218(Pt 6): 931-9. doi: 10.1242/jeb.111450.
Munns, S. L., 2013. Gestation increases the energetic cost of
breathing in the lizard Tiliqua rugosa. J Exp Biol. 2013 Jan
15; 216(Pt 2): 171-80. doi: 10.1242/jeb.067827. Epub 2012 Sep
12.
Stewart, J. R. & Thompson, M. B., 2000. Evolution of placen-
tation among squamate reptiles: recent research and future
directions. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2000
Dec; 127(4): 411-31.
Conclusion.
Sometimes nature needs a helping hand. This case was a
good example of how resilient reptiles can be, but also
demonstrates how an understanding of their evolution
and physiology can help to make appropriate decisions
for their medical treatments. In this instance, the experi-
ence of the keeper allowed recognition of the issue before
it became too late. This resulted in our ability to inter-
vene and produce a successful outcome.
References
Bleu, J., Massot, M., Haussy, C. & Meylan, S., 2013. An ex-
perimental study of the gestation costs in a viviparous liz-
ard: a hormonal manipulation. Physiol Biochem Zool. 2013
Nov-Dec; 86(6): 690-701. doi: 10.1086/673099. Epub 2013 Sep
9.
Johnston, S. D., Starrs, A.P., Daniels, C.B. & Orgeig, S., 2002.
Ontogeny of the pulmonary surfactant and antioxidant en-
zyme systems in the viviparous lizard, Tiliqua rugosa.
Physiol Biochem Zool. 2002 May-Jun; 75(3): 260-72
5.
5. Post caesarean x-ray
showing haemoclips used to
ligate blood vessels.
Left (video 2): offspring having
their first drink.
Video of babies drinking here.