However, because more owners are providing the appropriate diet and housing for pet iguanas, females are maturing at an earlier age and are becoming reproductively active even without the presence of a male iguana. Unfortunately, females may retain some or all of these eggs, thus resulting in egg stasis. This usually occurs seasonally, from October to April in the northeastern United States. Preovulatory egg stasis involves maturing ovarian follicles.
Postovulatory eggs are ovarian follicles that have been ovulated into the oviduct.
Gentle palpation may help determine if the condition is preovulatory or postovulatory egg stasis. If the oviductal eggs have been calcified, radiography or ultrasonography may help differentiate between the two conditions. If medical therapy is not appropriate or desired by the owner, surgical management is pursued. A thorough physical exam, including a biochemical profile, will determine if the animal is a suitable surgical candidate. The animal should be hydrated prior to the procedure.