Diarrhea associated with enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in a red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria).

Enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens was associated with diarrhea in a 4-yr-old female captive-bred red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria). Diagnosis was based on bacterial culture, detection of C. perfringens enterotoxin in feces, and exclusion of commonly recognized pathogens. After treatment with metronidazole, normal feces were passed and C. perfringens enterotoxin was no longer detected in the feces. Although the role of C. perfringens cannot be determined definitively from this case, this pathogen should be considered in cases of diarrhea in tortoises and, perhaps, other reptiles.     

Intraocular pressure determination in clinically normal red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria).

Intraocular pressure (IOP) reflects a balance between aqueous humor production and outflow and is often an essential ophthalmic diagnostic procedure in animals. The objective of this study was to estimate IOP in clinically normal red-footed tortoises (Geochelone carbonaria) of various sizes by using applanation tonometry. Intraocular pressures were estimated for 25 captive red-footed tortoises (10 males, 10 females, and 5 animals of unknown sex) by using an applanation tonometer after topical anesthesia. Body length ranged from 5.1 to 54.9 cm, measured from nuchal to anal scutes. Five measurements from each eye were obtained by a single observer in an ambient temperature of approximately 30 degrees C. Observer's reliability was good (intraclass r = 0.75), and IOP did not change over the ordered sequence of five replicate measurements. For individual tortoises the correlation for IOP between the left and right eyes was low (r = 0.20). The paired t-test did not show any statistical effect (P = 0.426) for the difference in IOP between the left and right eyes. Mean IOP determined for 10 confirmed males and 10 confirmed females did not differ between sexes (P = 0.244). The mean IOP of five small tortoises (< 10 cm long) was not significantly different (P = 0.244) from that of 20 large tortoises (> 10 cm long). In red-footed tortoises there does not appear to be any relation between carapace length and IOP.     

Clinical management of potential ibuprofen toxicosis in a South American red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria).

This article describes the clinical management of potential ibuprofen toxicosis in South American red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria). A 2.5-year-old, 0.78-kg Geochelone carbonaria tortoise was presented to the emergency clinic after ingesting solubilized ibuprofen (200 mg) in a gelatin capsule. Treatment on initial presentation consisted of esophagostomy tube placement for gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration, intravenous and intraosseous fluid therapy, and administration of gastrointestinal protectants (sucralfate and famotidine). The tortoise was discharged to the owners. Although follow-up diagnostic monitoring was minimal because of owner compliance, the patient was noted to be alive and in reasonable health 1 year after initial presentation. This is the first report on the management of potential nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicosis in any chelonian species.     

Biochemical and hematologic values for 18 clinically healthy radiated tortoises (Geochelone radiata) on St Catherines Island, Georgia

BACKGROUND: The radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata) is a critically endangered species in its native land, the southern portion of the island of Madagascar. Captive breeding programs have generated data on the breeding behavior and ecology of G radiata; however, hematologic and biochemical data also are critically important in managing populations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sex and seasonal effects on hematologic and biochemical data from captive radiated tortoises. METHODS: Whole blood was collected in January and August 2001 from 18 radiated tortoises (10 male, 8 female) housed at the Wildlife Survival Center on St Catherines Island, Georgia, as part of a routine health assessment. Routine hematologic and plasma biochemical analyses and electrophoresis were done using standard methods. Data from male and female tortoises were compared within and between seasons using 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS: RBC and HCT values were significantly higher in summer than in winter and were higher in males than in females. Total protein concentration did not differ significantly between males and females; however, female tortoises had significantly higher concentrations of alpha1- and beta-globulins in winter and summer compared to males. Male tortoises had significantly higher sodium and uric acid concentrations and LDH activity during winter, and higher urea concentration and LDH and CK activities in summer, compared with females. Female tortoises had significantly higher triglyceride and phosphorus concentrations in winter, and higher phosphorus, cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in summer, compared with males. CONCLUSION: Sex and seasonal differences in hematologic and biochemical values for radiated tortoises likely reflect vitellogenesis and egg production in females, and altered hydration status and activity in summer. Data from the tortoises in this study will be useful for the seasonal health assessment of this species.     

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of acaricides for control of the African tortoise tick (Amblyomma marmoreum) on leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis).

Nine acaricides (amitraz, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, fipronil, lindane, permethrin, phenothrin, and pyrethrins) were studied for their efficacy in killing the African tortoise tick (Amblyomma marmoreum). Only four of the acaricides (chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, lindane, and permethrin) produced 100% mortality within 24 hr of application, and only two (cyfluthrin and permethrin) continued to cause 100% mortality when diluted to as low as 1:10,000. Five of the acaricides (amitraz, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, and permethrin) were studied for toxicity to the leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis), the most common host of A. marmoreum. The results indicate that cyfluthrin and permethrin, which were herein found to be the two most effective acaricides for control of A. marmoreum, are also the safest acaricides for use on leopard tortoises.     

Gait analysis in a cat with scapular luxation and contralateral forelimb amputation

This report describes the use of a pressure-sensitive walkway to evaluate an uncommon case of a cat with dorsal luxation of the left scapula and an amputated right forelimb. The findings suggest that limb amputation induced load redistribution mostly to the contralateral forelimb despite the scapular luxation.     

Computed tomography imaging of a leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis pardalis) with confirmed pulmonary fibrosis: a case report

An approximately 20-year-old, female Leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis pardalis) was presented with dypsnea, wheezing, anorexia and depression. Whole body radiographs revealed generalized diffuse unstructured ‘interstitial lung pattern’ with thickened pulmonary septae while computed tomography (CT) showed emphysematous lung parenchyma and thickened pulmonary septae bordered by irregular ground-glass opacity with smaller areas of ‘honeycombing’. These imaging findings together with histopathologic findings were compatible with chronic, extensive ‘interstitial’ pulmonary fibrosis.     

Paraphimosis and amputation in a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).

A captive Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) developed recurrent episodes of paraphimosis over a 2-yr period, which eventually led to hemorrhage and obvious inflammation. Two months postsurgery, the crocodile remained clinically normal.     

Clarithromycin pharmacokinetics in the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii).

Clarithromycin is a new, safe orally administered macrolide antibiotic active against Mycoplasma sp. in humans. Single-dose and multidose pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for clarithromycin in wild-caught desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) seropositive for M. agassizii. Clarithromycin blood levels were measured in three tortoises for up to 72 hr after a single oral dose of 7.5 mg/kg. In a second group of six tortoises, levels were measured after a dose of 15 mg/kg. Noncompartmental iterative two-stage Bayesian and nonparametric expectation maximization pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for each animal assuming first order rate constants. At 15 mg/kg, the maximum concentration was 1.37 microg/ml, the time to maximum concentration was 8.0 hr, and a plasma half-life of 11.69 hr was derived from the latter method. The absorption constant was 0.08/hr, the absorption half-life was 8.47 hr, and the weight-normalized volume of distribution was 5.30 L/kg. Predictions derived by the latter method suggested a dosage of 15 mg/kg p.o. every 24 hr to achieve maximal blood levels of > or =1 microg/ml for multiple dosing. However, results from a preliminary multidose study with three tortoises indicate that the drug is accumulated; therefore, the predicted dose may be closer to 15 mg/kg p.o. every 2-3 days to maintain blood levels of 2-7.5 microg/ml. (For n = 3, 2-point linear regression median estimates for the apparent elimination rate constant (K) and half-life are 0.0227/hr and 30.52 hr, respectively.) This multidose accumulation reflects a slower apparent elimination than that predicted in the eight single-dose tortoises (i.e., K = 0.0593/hr, t1/2 = 11.69 hr). This study highlights a potential pitfall of depending solely on single-dose studies and the potential value of oral administration in reptiles.     

Diagnosis and surgical repair of stifle luxation in a spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca).

This report describes stifle luxation resultant from multiple ligamentous injuries in a spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca). Despite an absence of obvious trauma in the case history, the tortoise presented with acute, unilateral hind limb lameness. Diagnosis of stifle luxation was based on cranial drawer motion, increased rotational joint instability. and radiographic findings. Joint stabilization was accomplished by a combination of cranial cruciate reconstruction using an autograft of lateral vastus muscle in an over-the-top procedure and lateral imbrication of the joint capsule. Postoperative management included restriction of limb movement for 6 wk and parenteral chondroprotective regime. Treatment was effective in restoring clinically normal function to the limb.     

Traumatic elbow luxation repair in a common squirrel monkey (Saimiri Sciureus) and a bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata).

Traumatic elbow luxation was diagnosed in a common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) and a bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata). In the common squirrel monkey, the luxation was complicated by an ulnar fracture and would not stay reduced when attempts at closed reduction were made. The luxation was surgically reduced and a transarticular type I external skeletal fixator was placed. In the bonnet macaque, closed reduction was performed and the elbow was stabilized using a cast. Both monkeys regained good function of the injured elbows.     

Morphologic and cytochemical characteristics of blood cells from the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii).

Morphologic and cytochemical staining characteristics of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) were evaluated, using blood smears prepared from 23 healthy tortoises of Kern County, Calif. Special emphasis was placed on differentiating features of the various leukocytes and thrombocytes. A variety of cytochemical stains, including benzidine peroxidase, Sudan black B, chloroacetate esterase, alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase, acid phosphatase, leukocyte alkaline phosphatase, periodic acid-Schiff, and toluidine blue were used. Heterophils had a characteristic, large, focal area of positive staining with chloroacetate esterase, alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase, and acid phosphatase. Eosinophils stained diffusely positive with benzidine peroxidase, allowing differentiation of this leukocyte from heterophils. Thrombocytes stained focally positive with periodic acid-Schiff, allowing differentiation of these cells from lymphocytes, which stained uniformly negative. An intracytoplasmic body, commonly observed within erythrocytes, was considered ultrastructurally to represent a degenerate organelle.