Pune Vet Saves Egg-Bound Turtle’s Life, Removes Four Fully Formed Eggs in Rare Surgery

Pune, 1st August 2025: The Small Animal Clinic in Pune successfully performed a delicate laparoscopic surgery on a turtle suffering from chronic egg-binding syndrome, an enlarged liver, and hemoglobin deficiency. The rare procedure was led by veterinary surgeon Dr. Narendra Pardeshi, who skillfully removed four fully formed eggs. The turtle, named Shree, had been struggling for 1-2 months before the intervention. She is now on the path to recovery, active, alert, and showing steady signs of healing.

Shree, an otherwise active red-eared slider turtle, had suddenly become lethargic, stopped eating, and began straining repeatedly. Her worried pet parents, Mr and Mrs Namdeo, based in Somatane, near Talegaon, noticed swelling near her vent and growing restlessness. “It was heartbreaking to see Shree like that,” her pet parent shared. “She had always been full of life, and suddenly she looked so weak and helpless. She was trying hard to push the eggs out, but it was difficult for her. Watching her struggle without being able to help was truly painful,” said the pet parent.

The turtle was then taken to the Small Animal Clinic, her tests revealed she was suffering from egg-binding, a condition where turtles are unable to pass eggs naturally. An ultrasound also showed an enlarged liver and fully formed eggs, while blood tests pointed to low hemoglobin levels.

Initial attempts to induce egg expulsion with Epidocin injection were unsuccessful. She was hand-fed and monitored closely. A pre-surgical blood test was performed after the failed attempt to induce labor. Since Shree had stopped eating, she was hand-fed to maintain her strength. An ultrasound was also carried out to assess liver swelling and confirm the presence of retained eggs. The ultrasound of Shree’s abdomen revealed an enlarged liver and multiple shell-formed eggs, confirming egg-binding.

Her heart was functioning normally, which was a positive sign ahead of surgery. However, blood tests showed a hemoglobin deficiency, so a few medications were prescribed to stabilise her condition before proceeding with the operation.

Dr. Narendra Pardeshi, veterinary surgeon at The Small Animal Clinic, explained: “Shree’s surgery was scheduled on 21st July 2025 using laparoscopy, which is a less invasive and safer method. She was carefully intubated and given oxygen along with anesthesia to keep her comfortable throughout the procedure. She weighed 1.5kg. Her vitals were monitored using a BP Doppler and SPO2 sensor. To keep her warm, a heating pad was placed underneath. During the surgery, the oviduct (fallopian tube is a tube-like structure that extends from the uterus to the ovary, was gently accessed through a small incision near her right hind leg, and four fully formed eggs were removed. After that, the oviduct and skin were stitched carefully, and there was no need to cut the shell. Shree recovered within an hour, which was a great relief. She was advised to have 3 to 5 days of post-operative injections to help her heal well.  Usually, in such cases, the shell has to be cut to remove the eggs. After surgery, it takes 6-8 months for the shell to heal and reform, which is very risky as turtles stay and eat in water, thus increasing the chances of waterborne infection. This is one of the first laparoscopic egg-bound surgeries performed in India, where mechanical ventilation of GE 620 carestation with sevoflurane gas anaesthesia was used. She’s a strong little turtle, and we’re very happy with how she’s bouncing back.”

Dr. Narendra Pardeshi further added, “We noticed a clear improvement after the surgery. Shree was active and alert, which was a very encouraging sign. Her gums were slightly pale, but there was minimal oozing from the surgical site, which meant healing had begun well. We started her on multivitamins and mineral injections on alternate days for five doses to help improve her blood levels. Along with that, she was given oral supplements to support her recovery. We also advised applying antiseptic ointment to the surgical area to prevent any risk of infection. She’s doing well, is active and alert, which is a big improvement from her condition before surgery. There’s been tremendous progress in her mobility, eating habits. It’s heartening to see her bounce back, responding positively to the treatment and care, and we’re optimistic about her continued recovery. Since   Shree was on mechanical ventilation, she recovered within one hour after completion of surgery and was discharged.”

“We were so scared seeing Shree in pain and unable to eat or move properly. The clinic explained everything clearly and took amazing care of her. I’m deeply thankful to Dr. Narendra Pardeshi and the entire team, including Mrs Reena Haribhat, Ankita, Asmi Pardeshi, and Aparna Phansalkar, for saving her. She’s active again and eating well, it feels like we have her back,” shared Shree’s relieved pet parent, Mrs Namdeo.