[The induction of oviposition in egg retention or laying distress of land or water turtles].

We used a red-foot tortoise (Geochelone [Testudo] carbonaria, SPIX 1824) to describe in detail a successful method to induce the expulsion of the ova in tortoises. Apart from the dosage of oxytozine, the importance of the simulation of physiological environmental conditions for oviposition as well as the compensation of a potentially present Ca-deficit (50 mg/kg, Ca-Sandoz 10%, i.p.) is considered. The generally accepted dosage of up to 4 l. U./kg oxytozine, i.p., in tortoises proved to be too low in turtles. The drug dosages and other therapeutic measures against dystocia in different races and families of turtles are specified in tabular form. Finally the causes of dystocia and egg-retainment are discussed.