Atypical ocular Chelonoid herpesvirus manifestations in a captive Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)

A captive loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) of unknown sex, 3 years of age, presented with bilateral mucoid secretions, severe chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, and globe retraction. The animal was evaluated ophthalmologically and systemically, and hematological, microbiological, and conjunctival cytological and biopsy samples were collected for complementary diagnosis. The histopathological examination showed amphophilic intranuclear inclusions associated with severe inflammatory infiltrate. The diagnosis of Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChAHV 5) was confirmed with end point PCR. Following systemic treatment with L‐lysine, acyclovir and vitamin A, the ocular signs resolved. No amphophilic intranuclear inclusions were seen in a follow‐up biopsy 5 months later, and there has been no recurrence of clinical ophthalmic signs during a 4‐year follow‐up. It is suggested that ChAHV 5 be considered as a differential diagnosis in captive marine turtles that present for conjunctival disease other than fibropapillomatosis.     

绿海龟消化道组织学观察

通过常规组织学切片方法,对绿海龟的消化道进行组织学观察.结果发现除口腔和泄殖腔外,消化道均由黏膜层、黏膜下层、肌层和外膜层组成.消化道各段的结构差异主要集中在黏膜层和肌层.其中食管黏膜存在特殊的高度角化倒齿结构,而非常见的皱襞,且食管黏膜层下有较发达的纵行骨骼肌.食道的黏膜上皮为复层扁平上皮,胃、小肠和大脑均为单层柱状上皮.除食管外,消化道各殷的肌层均由内环外纵的平滑肌组成,且环形肌均较纵行肌发达.肠道各段黏膜固有层中均有见弥散的淋巴组织.     

Hematology and serum biochemistry comparison in wild and captive Central American river turtles (Dermatemys mawii) in Tabasco, Mexico

Hematological and serum biochemistry analyses were determined on 51 Central American river turtles (Dermatemys mawii) during the dry and rainy seasons of 2006. Turtles came from two sites: Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve and a turtle breeding farm, both located in Tabasco State, Mexico. Physical examination and body measures of animals were performed. Incidence and prevalence of hemoparasites were explored.Captive organisms were in poor physical condition while wild turtles were apparently healthy. There were differences in several hematological parameters related with the condition and the season. During the dry season captive turtles exhibited higher levels of uric acid and urea, as well as lower levels of glucose. Haemogregarina sp. was detected in 100% of the wild individuals, but not in captive individuals. Its incidence was greater during the rainy season. This is the first health assessment and hematology study of this critically endangered species.     

Chinese Box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) with lymphoid leukemia characterized by immunohistochemical and cytochemical phenotyping

Lymphoid leukemia of T‐cell origin was diagnosed in a male Chinese Box turtle, Cuora flavomarginata, of approximately 25 years of age. The turtle presented with a history of anorexia, open‐mouth breathing, and lethargy for one week. The CBC findings included a mildly increased PCV, and severe leukocytosis due to high numbers of atypical cells interpreted to be blasts. The blasts were medium‐sized cells with round to pleomorphic nuclei, slightly clumped chromatin, indistinct nucleoli, and scant moderate‐to‐dark blue cytoplasm with occasional red‐to‐purple cytoplasmic granulation. Cytochemical and immunohistochemical staining indicated that the neoplastic cells were positive for CD3 and α‐naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE), leading to the diagnosis of T‐cell lymphoid leukemia. Histology of tissues collected at necropsy showed multifocal infiltrations of neoplastic round cells in the liver, spleen, kidneys, testicles, pancreas, thyroid, duodenum, bone marrow, epicardium, and myocardium. Transmission electron microscopy failed to identify viral particles within the neoplastic cells. This article describes the hematologic, histologic, and ultrastructural abnormalities associated with lymphoid leukemia in this turtle, and advanced diagnostic methods used for phenotyping the T‐cell origin.     

Identification and isolation of a novel herpesvirus in a captive mob of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)

A novel herpesvirus was detected in a captive mob of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) during diagnostic workup for individuals with ulcerative cloacitis. Virus was initially detected in tissues using a consensus herpesvirus PCR. No viral inclusions or particles had been evident in routine histologic or transmission electron microscopic sections of cloacal lesions. Virus was isolated from samples and transmission electron microscopy of the resulting isolates confirmed that the virus was morphologically consistent with a herpesvirus. Nucleotide sequencing of the PCR product from tissue samples and from the isolates revealed that the virus was in the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae and was distinct from other known herpesviruses. The correlation between the lesions and the novel virus remains unknown. Two herpesviruses, both in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, have previously been described in macropods and are known to cause systemic clinical disease. This is the first reported gammaherpesvirus within the order Marsupialia, and may provide valuable information regarding the evolution and phylogeny of this virus family. Based on current herpesvirus nomenclature convention, the authors propose the novel herpesvirus be named Macropodid herpesvirus 3 (MaHV-3).     

Proliferative dermatitis in a loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, and a green turtle, Chelonia mydas, associated with novel papillomaviruses

A subadult loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, presented with generalized small, white, raised lesions over its neck, shoulders, and all four flippers. A juvenile green turtle, Chelonia mydas, recently treated for fibropapillomatosis, presented with four similar localized lesions on one flipper. To diagnose the conditions, biopsies of the lesions were taken for histopathology, electron microscopy, and molecular diagnostics. Histopathologic findings were similar in the two turtles and skin lesions were characterized by multifocal areas of epidermal hyperplasia accompanied by variation and abnormalities in the nuclear morphology of keratinocytes and a few intranuclear inclusions in some cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed multiple epithelial cells with large intranuclear aggregates of virions consistent in morphology with papillomavirus. Papillomavirus was detected in samples from both turtles by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis of the partial sequence of the papillomavirus E1 gene revealed two viruses (CcPV and CmPV) that were distinct from each other and from other species in Papillomaviridae, and likely represent two novel species and perhaps a new genus.     

Finding of a two-headed green turtle embryo during nest monitoring in Baa Atoll,Maldives

Green sea turtles are one of the two species of marine turtles known to nest in the Maldives. The prevalent time of nesting seems to be inconsistent throughout the island nation. In this study, sea turtle nesting activity was monitored on the island of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Baa Atoll over a period of 12 months. A total of 13 nests were confirmed with a median hatching success rate of 89.58% as ascertained by nest excavation. In one of the nests, a severely deformed hatchling with polycephaly, an opening in the neck area and a lordotic spine was found, and we investigated in detail with radiographic images and a necropsy. Our findings support the importance of consistent nesting activity and nest monitoring efforts in the country as a basis for conservation efforts.     

Detection and Management of an Outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 Infection and Associated Neurological Disease in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Background: Because of the serious disease sequelae associated with equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV‐1) infections, awareness and control measures used to control outbreaks are important issues for all horse populations. Objectives: Describe the occurrence and management of an outbreak of EHV‐1 infection at a veterinary hospital. Animals: Horses hospitalized at a referral veterinary hospital. Methods: A horse with myeloencephalopathy associated with EHV‐1 infection (EHM) was admitted for diagnostic evaluation and treatment under strict infection control procedures. We describe the occurrence and management of a nosocomial outbreak of EHV‐1 infections associated with admission of this patient. Results: Despite institution of rigorous biosecurity precautions at the time of admission of the index case, EHV‐1 infections spread to 6 other horses that were hospitalized at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hopsital, including 2 that served as sources of infection for horses on their home premises after discharge. Infection with EHV‐1 was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by seroconversion documented by glycoprotein G ELISA. A voluntary quarantine was imposed and admissions were restricted to prevent additional horses from being exposed. Quarantine duration was abbreviated by serial testing of all horses with PCR. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These findings illustrate the contagious disease risk that can accompany management of horses with EHM. Horses with active nasal EHV‐1 shedding should be isolated in an airspace that is separate from other horses by strictly enforced biosecurity and isolation procedures. Serial testing with PCR may be a useful adjunct to determine when the risk of transmission has been minimized.     

Inclusion body disease in two captive Australian pythons (Morelia spilota variegata and Morelia spilota spilota)

Two captive Australian pythons, one carpet and one diamond python, presented with signs of central nervous system dysfunction. The carpet python was agitated. Its head was tilting and it was incoordinated and had convulsions. It was treated with antibiotics and anthelmintics but was eventually euthanased after failing to respond to therapy. The diamond python had flaccid paralysis of the caudal half. It was not treated and became disoriented and died. Hepatocytes from both pythons contained irregular 2 to 10 m m eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. The brain of the diamond python was not available for examination. Occasional neurones in the carpet python brain contained similar inclusion bodies and other changes suggestive of viral infection. The clinical signs and histopathological findings in both pythons were consistent with boid inclusion body disease.     

Detection of a novel herpesvirus associated with squamous cell carcinoma in a free-ranging Blanding’s turtle

The spread of both infectious and noninfectious diseases through wildlife populations is of increasing concern. Neoplastic diseases are rarely associated with population-level impacts in wildlife; however, impacts on individual health can be severe and might reflect deteriorating environmental conditions. An adult male free-ranging Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) originally captured in 2005 and deemed healthy, was recaptured in 2018 with a 1 × 1.5 cm intra-oral broad-based right mandibular mass. An excisional biopsy was performed, and histopathology revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Consensus herpesvirus PCR identified a novel herpesvirus (proposed name Emydoidea herpesvirus 2 [EBHV-2]) within the tumor. EBHV-2 shares 85% sequence homology with Terrapene herpesvirus 2 (TerHV-2), a herpesvirus linked to fibropapillomas in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). Virus-associated fibropapillomas have been identified in multiple marine turtle species and have had debilitating effects on their populations, but to date, virus-associated SCCs are rarely reported.     

Chronic shoulder osteoarthritis in a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)

This report describes the lesions seen in an extremely weak and emaciated adult male loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) found stranded near Perth, Western Australia. Blood collected from a dorsal cervical sinus immediately prior to euthanasia demonstrated severe anaemia, markedly elevated plasma concentrations of creatinine kinase (2263 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (58 U/L), urea (18.1 mmol/L) and hypoglycaemia (glucose 0.7 mmol/L). Necropsy examination demonstrated a severe chronic osteoarthritis of the right shoulder joint with marked remodelling of the glenoid fossa, coracoid, scapula and humerus. There was marked synovial effusion and periarticular fibrosis. Cytological examination and culture of synovial fluid failed to demonstrate an infectious agent. Other findings were low numbers of trypanorhynch cysts present on the surface of the liver and numerous spirorchid eggs in the attached mesentery. Several large and small spirorchid flukes were present in the heart and there was a localised endarteritis in the left aortic arch associated with this infection. Numerous nematode eggs and at least three species of spirorchid eggs were seen microscopically in faeces collected from the terminal colon. The pathogenesis and significance of these lesions is discussed.     

Pharmacokinetics of ponazuril after administration of a single oral dose to green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

The coccidian protozoan, Caryospora cheloniae, has been associated with severe enteritis and encephalitis in immature farm-raised green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Cayman Islands, immature green turtles off the coast of Florida, and immature stranded sea turtles in Australia. An effective anti-coccidial drug that is both orally absorbed and well-distributed throughout the body is needed for treatment of turtles diagnosed with coccidiosis in rehabilitation facilities. Ponazuril is a triazine antiprotozoal drug that is approved in the USA for the treatment of another Apicomplexan, Sarcocystis neurona, and has also been successfully used in the therapy of other coccidian parasites. The objective of this study was to perform an oral dose-ranging pilot study (10–100 mg/kg of body weight ponazuril) in green turtles (N = 9), followed by oral administration of ponazuril at 100 mg/kg body weight (N = 8) to assess its disposition. Another goal of this study was to optimize the method of oral drug administration to green turtles. Plasma ponazuril concentrations were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Standard compartmental models were fit to the data. Ponazuril was absorbed after oral administration at 100 mg/kg BW, with a maximum plasma concentration of 3.3 µg/ml. Dose-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters only weakly correlated with the dose rate, apparently due to considerable pharmacokinetic variability observed between turtles. Administration of ponazuril in gelatin capsules using a balling gun was deemed the least variable and most successful method of drug administration. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ponazuril in sea turtles with coccidiosis.