Research
Before ovulation
Developing follicles remain attached to the ovary and accumulate yolk before ovulation. Abnormal persistence or degeneration at this stage has historically been described as preovulatory follicular stasis.
Recent veterinary literature questions whether that label has sometimes been used too broadly and stresses the need to identify the actual reproductive stage and pathology.
Research
After ovulation
Once ovulated, ova enter the oviducts and progress toward shelled eggs. Failure to lay at this later stage is distinct from retained ovarian follicles and may be described as post-ovulatory egg retention or dystocia, depending on the circumstances.
Both situations require reptile-veterinary assessment. External appearance alone cannot reliably determine which stage is present.