What happens with dystocia in a yellow-margined box turtle?

Dystocia in a yellow-margined box turtle may cause weakness, loss of appetite, prolapse and hind-limb paralysis. The developing eggs compress other organs, causing damage and complications, even death.

If dystocia is suspected, take the turtle to a vet for an X-ray. If an egg is stuck near the vent, carefully extract it with a tool or puncture the egg to let contents out, then see if the rest pass.

If the egg is deep and the turtle is stable, use oxytocin to induce labor; if no effect within 48 hours, surgery may be needed.