Ovariectomy and ovariosalpingectomy have reasonable outcomes in stable and critical client-owned bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Objective: To describe the clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, anesthetic management, surgical treatment, outcomes, and complications of surgical sterilization in client-owned bearded dragons. Animals: Medical records were retrospectively collected for all bearded dragons that underwent ovariectomy or ovariosalpingectomy performed by 3 veterinarians board certified in exotics-related specialties between October 2019 and October 2024 at their institutions. Clinical Presentation: 25 female dragons underwent surgical sterilization; 1 animal had 2 ovariectomies due to an ovarian remnant for a total of 26 procedures. Median age and body weight were 3.5 years and 498 g, respectively. Common reasons for presentation included hyporexia (n = 15) and coelomic distension (8). Twenty-three procedures were considered urgent, 2 were prophylactic, and 1 was emergent. Results: The most common clinical pathologic finding was elevated bile acids (n = 9). Follicles were identified in all cases undergoing ultrasound (n = 18). Anesthetic protocols varied but commonly included dexmedetomidine, ketamine, midazolam, propofol, and isoflurane. Seven animals had additional procedures, including cholecystectomy (n = 2), liver biopsy (2), mass removal/biopsy (2), partial lung resection (1), subtotal fat body removal (1), and enterotomy (1). Of 14 cases evaluated histologically, 8 had abnormal ovarian findings, most commonly oophoritis (n = 6). Intraoperative hemorrhage was the most common complication (n = 11). Of 26 surgical events, 22 (85%) resulted in survival to discharge and for at least 10 days postoperatively. Clinical Relevance: Ovariectomy or ovariosalpingectomy in client-owned bearded dragons may be required for multiple indications. Despite common complications, the surgery has a better prognosis than previously reported in the literature. These findings support ovariectomy or ovariosalpingectomy as a viable surgical option in bearded dragons.