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MIS: Home > Exotics > Reptile > Endoscopic gender identification
Reptile
Endoscopic gender identification
Rigid endoscopy can also be utilized as an effective technique for determining the gender of reptiles (Schildger, 1994; Frye, 1996).
This technique is extremely useful in some species of lizards such as Blue tongue skinks (Tiliqua spp.), Prehensile tailed skinks (Corucia zebrata), Monitor lizards (Varanus spp) and Gila monsters and Beaded lizards (Heloderma spp).
These lizards can be challenging to sex by other methods. There are other methods for sexing these lizards that may be less invasive, but they may not be conclusive (e.g. ultrasonography in sexually immature lizards).
Rigid endoscopy allows direct visualization of the gonad to identify the sex but also provides feedback on gonadal activity and or possible gonadal pathology.
Additionally with this sexing modality other organs in the coelomic cavity can be inspected at the time of the procedure to give an overall assessment of the reptile's health status.
The technique for endoscopic sexing follows the same approach as is described for Coelioscopy. Generally a lateral recumbency approach in the paralumbar area allows the best visualization.
The paired coelomic fat bodies make it difficult to visualize the gonads from a dorsal recumbency, paramedian approach. The gonads in lizards are usually located dorsally (along the spine) in the mid-caudal coelomic cavity.
They are cranial to the kidneys and adjacent or just caudal to the adrenal glands. Usually the right gonad is cranial to the left.
The testis is usually ovoid and smooth. It may enlarge tremendously during reproductive activity. The immature or inactive ovary generally appears as a small cluster of clear fluid-filled round follicles.
As the ovary matures and becomes active some of the follicles will enlarge dramatically and appear yellow to orange in color as they fill with yolk (vitellogenesis).
Some species of lizards (e.g. monitors, Varanus spp.) have thin post-hepatic and/or post-pulmonary membranes that may be pigmented and obscure the gonads.
The membrane can be opened to allow better visualization by grasping and tearing with retrieval forceps, or incising using the scissors.
With practice this endoscopic sexing technique can be safely and quickly accomplished thus providing a valuable and important service for your reptile clients.
Male testis (green iguana).
Female ovary (green iguana).
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