Surgical removal of a fish hook from the oesophagus of a turtle

An adult male Macquarie turtle was presented for examination after swallowing a fish hook. Radiographs taken to determine the position of this foreign body within the gastrointestinal tract revealed the fish hook lodged in the turtle's oesophagus. Surgical removal of the fish hook involved an approach through the soft tissues of the lateral neck. The turtle recovered well and was returned to the wild.     

Susceptibility of Fish and Turtles to Three Ranaviruses Isolated from Different Ectothermic Vertebrate Classes

Abstract

Ranaviruses have been associated with mortality of lower vertebrates around the world. Frog virus 3 (FV3)-like ranaviruses have been isolated from different ectothermic vertebrate classes; however, few studies have demonstrated whether this pathogen can be transmitted among classes. Using FV3-like ranaviruses isolated from the American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus, eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina carolina, and Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus, we tested for the occurrence of interclass transmission (i.e., infection) and host susceptibility (i.e., percent mortality) for five juvenile fish and three juvenile turtle species exposed to each of these isolates. Exposure was administered via water bath (10³ PFU/mL) for 3 d and survival was monitored for 28 d. Florida softshell turtles Apalone ferox experienced no mortality, but 10% and 20% of individuals became infected by the turtle and fish isolate, respectively. Similarly, 5% of Mississippi map turtles Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni were subclinically infected with the turtle isolate at the end of the experiment. Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus experienced 5% mortality when exposed to the turtle isolate, while Western Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis experienced 10% mortality when exposed to the turtle and amphibian isolates and 5% mortality when exposed to the fish isolate. Our results demonstrated that interclass transmission of FV3-like ranaviruses is possible. Although substantial mortality did not occur in our experiments, the occurrence of low mortality and subclinical infections suggest that fish and aquatic turtles may function as reservoirs for FV3-like ranaviruses. Additionally, our study is the first to report transmission of FV3-like ranaviruses between fish and chelonians.

Received October 22, 2013; accepted January 8, 2014.     

中华鳖对脂肪需求的研究

中华鳖是我国特种经济动物,脂肪在鱼类生长中占据举足轻重的作用,充当脂溶性维生素载体的角色。文章综合国内外文献关于中华鳖对脂肪的需求,中华鳖高脂饲料对中华鳖抗氧化能力和功能基因的影响进行综述,从中华鳖的营养和免疫学两个层面上进行研究,为中华鳖饲料中脂肪的水平和组成提供参考,以促进中华鳖养殖业的发展。     

豆油部分或全部替代饲料中鱼油对中华条颈龟肠道形态及菌群结构的影响

本试验通过组织学染色及16S rRNA V3~V4区测序研究豆油部分或全部替代饲料中鱼油对中华条颈龟(Mauremys sinensis)肠道形态及菌群结构的影响。选取中华条颈龟雌龟[4龄,平均体重(1 557±307)g]24只,随机分为4组,每组6只。Ⅰ组(对照组)饲喂含1%鱼油的配合饲料(全鱼油饲料,豆油与鱼油的比例为0∶3),3个试验组分别饲喂用豆油替代全鱼油饲料中33%(Ⅱ组,豆油与鱼油的比例为1∶2)、67%(Ⅲ组,豆油与鱼油的比例为2∶1)和100%(Ⅳ组,豆油与鱼油的比例为3∶0)鱼油的饲料。每周喂食2次,试验期为10个月。结果表明:1)Ⅰ和Ⅲ组十二指肠绒毛长/隐窝深度(VH/CD)显著高于Ⅱ和Ⅳ组(P0.05)。2)根据序列相似性97%水平划分,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ组操作分类单元(OTU)总数分别为396、321、347和331个,特有OTU个数分别为43、3、4和5个,分别被鉴定出139、117、128、120个属。十二肠道优势菌门主要包含拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)、厚壁杆菌门(Firmicutes)、梭杆菌门(Fusobacteria)和变形菌门(Proteobacteria)4个门。Ⅱ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ组梭杆菌门和变形菌门所占比例增加,拟杆菌门和厚壁菌门所占比例下降,Ⅲ组厚壁杆菌门和拟杆菌门所占比例与Ⅰ组差距最小。细菌Ace指数和香农指数表现为Ⅰ组最高,其次是Ⅲ和Ⅳ组,Ⅱ组最小;细菌辛普森指数表现为Ⅱ组最大,其次是Ⅲ和Ⅳ组,Ⅰ组最小。由此得出,饲喂用豆油替代67%鱼油的饲料的中华条颈龟的肠道细胞发育成熟度以及菌群结构与饲喂全鱼油饲料的中华条颈龟相近。     

Ocular morphology of the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Objective The Leatherback sea turtle is the largest extant reptile and the sole member of the family Dermochelyidae. Here, the eye of this critically endangered marine turtle was investigated to determine the anatomy, optics, and optical sensitivity. Animals studied Three Leatherback sea turtles, Dermochelys coriacea. Results The eye is small in proportion to body size of the adult compared to other vertebrates, with prominence of the retractor bulbi and pyramidalis muscles. The nictitans shows extensive folding of the bulbar conjunctiva as an apparent mechanism to increase the surface area for mucus secretion. The intraocular anatomy is consistent with an eye adapted to aquatic vision with minimal curvature of the cornea, a near‐spherical lens, deep ciliary cleft and highly vascularized ciliary body. The optical sensitivity, a measure of the sensitivity to light of a given optical system, is higher than in other marine turtles studied but lower than those found in teleost fish that share a habitat with the Leatherback sea turtle. Conclusions The Leatherback sea turtle shows ocular features that are characteristic of Chelonians with similarities to aquatic mammals. The calculated optical sensitivity suggests that compared to pelagic fishes, for instance, the Leatherback sea turtle eye is not particularly well adapted for vision in dim light even though this species is known to venture into deep, dark waters, and might feed at night.     

Surgical repair of a depressed fracture in a green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas

Sea turtles are considered to be endangered species. A depressed fracture of a 35 kg green sea turtle was treated surgically. Isoflurane was used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Slow induction of and slow recovery from anesthesia was remarkable. After the operation, there was an improvement of general status, but head tilt and weakness of the left limbs persisted. As the turtle did not eat, force feeding using stomach tube was performed. The turtle died at about 6 months after the surgery.     

Division of Chinese soft‐shelled turtle intestine with molecular markers is slightly different from the morphological and histological observation

The Chinese soft‐shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a commercially important species in Asian countries. Knowledge of its nutritional requirements and physiology is essential for determining the appropriate content of the feed for this animal. However, the lack of functional characterization of the intestine of this turtle limits the understanding of its absorption and utilization of nutritional materials. To solve this problem, this work utilized anatomical and histological methods to characterize 9 segments sampled along the anterior–posterior axis of the intestine. Furthermore, 9 genes, which have been well documented in the intestine division of mammals and fish, were employed to functionally characterize the 9 sampled segments. Our results suggest that regions covering from the starting site to S3 (position at 29.9% of the total length from the starting of the intestine) are the equivalent of mammalian dedumonen, and those covering S4 (40.2%) and S5 (65.4%), posterior to S8 (92.7%), are the equivalent of the mammalian ileum and the large intestine, respectively. As to the region spaning S6 (81.3%) and S7 (87.3%), its functional equivalent (small intestine or large intestine) may be variable and depends on the functional genes. This molecular characterization in relation to the division of the intestine of Chinese soft‐shelled turtle may contribute to the understanding of the nutritional physiology of the turtle, and promote Chinese soft‐shelled turtle production.     

Effect of three feeding management systems on some reproductive parameters of Scorpion mud turtles (Kinosternon scorpioides) in Brazil

Chelonians have been exploited since ancient times for their meat, eggs, fat, and offal, among other things. Among these animals, there is Scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) which is an omnivorous turtle with semiaquatic habits and is widely consumed in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different feeding management systems on the reproductive performance of captive-bred Scorpion mud turtles, including egg quality and chemical composition. Study animals included 15 males and 48 females, divided into three groups. Animals were fed with either a commercial diet or a commercial diet supplemented with one of two different mixes (wet diet). All animals were fed at 1 % BW/day divided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Treatments were as follows: TR?=?100 % fish food (22 % CP); TRM1?=?70 % fish food?+?30 % mix 1 (bovine offal and fish); TRM2?=?70 % fish food?+?30 % mix 2 (bovine offal, fish, and shrimp). Samples were collected during 7 months, and eggs were identified, weighed, measured, and frozen for later analysis. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, were performed using the program SAEG 9.0. Measurements taken from the nests were compared using the Tukey’s test (P?<?0.05). The different diets were associated with differential egg-laying performance and eggshell thickness. Animals fed with wet diets containing protein of animal origin displayed the best performance. Furthermore, nests with fewer eggs contained eggs of better external quality (e.g., greater length, width, and eggshell thickness). Finally, animals fed with only commercial feed produced eggs with lower saturated fatty acid content.     

人工饲养环境下斑鳖产卵规律的研究

斑鳖目前仅在中国和越南的动物园中有4只存活个体,为了拯救这一物种,中国的苏州动物园和长沙动物园开展了斑鳖联合繁育项目。在2008～2011年对斑鳖的产卵时间、产卵窝数、产卵数量和卵的重量、直径等进行了测量。结果表明,雌性斑鳖在夜间产卵,有护卵行为。每年可产卵2—4窝,首次产卵在5月底或6月中旬,最晚在7月中旬结束。产卵间隔变化较大,最短的为12d,最长的达到36d,平均18．4±8．3d。每窝产卵数45～70枚,平均为60．3±7．5枚,年产卵总数在100～200枚之间,年度之间波动很大,在1～136枚之间。卯的重量在19．0-21．5g之间,平均20．1±0．7g;卵的直径在31．5～34．4mm之间,平均为32．6±0．7mm。产卵次数、窝卵数、卯重和大小都会受到运输或环境变化的影响。以上结果表明,目前提供的环境条件和饲养管理符合斑鳖的繁殖要求,但是管理中要注意减少运输应激和环境的改变。     

Use of a supraplastron approach to the coelomic cavity for repair of an esophageal tear in a loggerhead sea turtle

A juvenile loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was referred for removal of a fishhook lodged in the coelomic portion of the esophagus. Attempts at manual and endoscopic extraction were unsuccessful and resulted in a 6-cm tear in the coelomic portion of the esophagus. A supraplastron approach was made to the coelomic cavity, allowing access to and repair of the esophageal tear. The turtle recovered well and was able to be released to the wild. The surgical approach was associated with less trauma and shorter healing and rehabilitation times, compared with traditional plastron osteotomy.     

Multicentric lymphoblastic lymphoma in a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)

A juvenile female loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) stranded in Gran Canaria was submitted for necropsy. The turtle had exhibited anorexia and lethargy for 2 weeks prior to its death. At necropsy, the thymus was enlarged by two white and firm nodules. White nodules similar to those in thymus were observed in the plastron, thyroid gland, heart, aorta, left lung, spleen, liver, kidneys, stomach, and small intestine. Histopathology revealed a neoplastic proliferation of round cells identified as lymphoid cells. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells were consistent with lymphoblastic cells, and viruses were not detected. The diagnosis was multicentric lymphoblastic lymphoma. This is the first report of a lymphoid neoplasm in a sea turtle.     

人工饲养环境下斑鳖采食量与温度关系的初步研究

斑鳖是极度濒危的物种,目前仅在中国和越南的动物园中有3只存活个体。为了建立科学合理的人工饲养斑鳖的方法,在苏州动物园的1只雄性斑鳖饲养于改造过的人工池塘内,采用定时定点人工饲喂方法,在2008～2010年期间,较为系统地观察了其采食习性。结果表明,气温达到18～20℃（大约每年的3～4月）,斑鳖从冬眠中苏醒,开始自由活动。只有当日最高气温达到25℃以上时,才开始采食。随着温度上升和活动量加大,采食量也会随之加大。6月平均气温在22～26℃之间,平均最高气温在27～31℃之间,是斑鳖食欲旺盛时期,出现采食高峰期。但是,平均气温在28～31℃,最高平均气温在31～36℃时,斑鳖几乎停止采食,重新钻进池塘底部的淤泥里,进入了夏眠状态。当进入秋季,平均气温低于18℃时（每年的9月底～10月底）,斑鳖逐渐减少采食或不食,然后逐步进入冬眠状态。     

Characterisation of the green turtle’s leukocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry and evaluation of their phagocytic activity

Phagocytosis is a fundamental aspect of innate immunity that is conserved across many species making it a potentially useful health-assessment tool for wildlife. In non-mammalian vertebrates, heterophils, monocytes, macrophages, melanomacrophages, and thrombocytes all have phagocytic properties. Recently, B lymphocytes from fish, amphibians, and aquatic turtles have also showed phagocytic capacity. Phagocytes can be studied by flow cytometry; however, the use of this tool is complicated in reptiles partly because nucleated erythrocytes complicate the procedure. We separated green turtle leukocytes by density gradient centrifugation and identified subpopulations by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Additionally, we assessed their ability to phagocytize Fluorspheres and Ovoalbumin-Alexa. We found that heterophils and lymphocytes but not monocytes could be easily identified by flow cytometry. While heterophils from adults and juvenile turtles were equally able to phagocytize fluorspheres, adults had significantly more phagocytic ability for OVA-Alexa. Lymphocytes had a mild phagocytic activity with fluorospheres (27–38 %; 39–45 %) and OVA-Alexa (35–46 %; 14–22 %) in juvenile and adult green turtles, respectively. Confocal microscopy confirmed phagocytosis of fluorospheres in both heterophils and lymphocytes. This provides the first evidence that green turtle lymphocytes have phagocytic activity and that this assay could potentially be useful to measure one aspect of innate immunity in this species.     

Use of a Double Hook Plate for Treatment of a Distal Radial Fracture in a Dog

Attempted stabilization of open, distal radius and ulnar fractures in a 3-year-old German shepherd dog using intramedullary pins and a Schroeder-Thomas splint resulted in malalignment of the limb and osteomyelitis. A double hook plate was used to rigidly stabilize the distal radial fracture after anatomical realignment. An autogenous cancellous bone graft was used where a lateral architectural defect remained after reduction. Culture of the fracture site showed Staphylococcus sp., which responded to chloramphenicol therapy. Fracture union and resolution of osteomyelitis occurred by 9 weeks after surgery, and the dog had no lameness and a normal muscle mass 22 weeks after surgery. The double hook plate provided rigid internal fixation of the radial fracture, allowed a rapid return to function during osteosynthesis, and minimal interference of antebrachiocarpal joint function occurred.     

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Gyrodactylus salmonis (Platyhelminthes, Monogenea) isolates collected in Mexico from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum)

Gyrodactylus salmonis (Yin et Sproston, 1948) isolates collected from feral rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) in Veracruz, southeastern Mexico are described. Morphological and molecular variation of these isolates to G. salmonis collected in Canada and the U.S.A. is characterised. Morphologically, the marginal hook sickles of Mexican isolates of G. salmonis closely resemble those of Canadian specimens - their shaft and hook regions align closely with one another; only features of the sickle base and a prominent bridge to the toe permit their separation. The 18S sequence determined from the Mexican specimens was identical to two variable regions of SSU rDNA obtained from a Canadian population of G. salmonis. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions (spanning ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2) of Mexican isolates of G. salmonis are identical to ITS sequences of an American population of G. salmonis and to Gyrodactylus salvelini Kuusela, Zi?tara et Lumme, 2008 from Finland. Analyses of the ribosomal RNA gene of Mexican isolates of G. salmonis show 98-99% similarity to those of Gyrodactylus gobiensis Gl?ser, 1974, Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg, 1957, and Gyrodactylus rutilensis Gl?ser, 1974. Mexican and American isolates of G. salmonis are 98% identical, as assessed by sequencing the mitochondrial cox1 gene. Oncorhynchus mykiss is one of the most widely-dispersed fish species in the world and has been shown to be an important vector for parasite/disease transmission. Considering that Mexican isolates of G. salmonis were collected well outside the native distribution range of all salmonid fish, we discuss the possibility that the parasites were translocated with their host through the aquacultural trade. In addition, this study includes a morphological review of Gyrodactylus species collected from rainbow trout and from other salmonid fish of the genus Oncorhynchus which occur throughout North America.     

Treatment of epiglottic entrapment by transnasal axial division in standing sedated horses using a shielded hook bistoury

Objectives: To report use of a shielded hook bistoury developed for correction of epiglottic fold entrapment in standing sedated horses. Study Design: Prospective clinical study. Animals: Standardbreds (n=8), 3–19 years of age. Methods: Epiglottic fold entrapment was corrected during standing sedation using a shielded hook bistoury passed nasally into the pharynx. Owners, trainers, and referring veterinarians were contacted by telephone to establish outcome. Results: Axial division of the entrapping epiglottic fold was successful in all horses. No short‐ or long‐term complications occurred. Axial transection of the entrapping fold was performed rapidly (mean, 83 seconds between advancing the bistoury into the pharynx and transection of the entrapping fold). Conclusion: Transnasal axial division of the aryepiglottic fold can be accomplished safely using the shielded hook bistoury. The shield mechanism minimizes the risk of injury from the cutting blade to adjacent structures.     

Surgical repair of a comminuted femoral gunshot fracture in a dog

A three-year-old beagle was presented with a hindlimb lameness following a gunshot wound. Radiographs revealed a grade II open, femoral fracture with severe comminution. Repair was made with an intercalary composite graft stabilised by a double hook plate.     

Application of a Hook Plate for Management of Equine Ulnar Fractures

Closed fractures of the proximal aspect of the ulna were repaired in 10 horses younger than or equal to 6 months of age by application of a hook plate using a tension band principle. Ulnar fractures were classified as type 1A (2 horses), type 1B (4 horses), type 2 (1 horse), type 3 (1 horse), and type 4 (2 horses); all fractures had displacement of a proximal fragment. Complications were implant deformation (4 horses), screw pullout (1 horse), osseous sequestration (1 horse), ulnar fracture through a hole used to apply a tension device (1 horse), and metacarpophalangeal deformity associated with a displaced anconeal fragment (1 horse). Hook deformation was likely associated with failure to insert screws in all of the proximal holes of the plate and also in two horses, possibly with difficult recovery from anesthesia. Seven horses were discharged from the hospital and were being used for athletic activities. Insertion of the hook through the tendon of the triceps muscle and incorporation of the fragment within the hook can be used to effectively reduce and stabilize a fragment that might otherwise not hold screws.     

Intestinal volvulus and stricture associated with a leiomyoma in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas).

A previously stranded 30-kg female green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida following a 2-mo history of anorexia, intermittent regurgitation, decreased fecal production, and positive buoyancy of the right side. Radiographs confirmed gaseous distension of bowel loops suggestive of intestinal obstruction. The coelom was surgically approached through a plastron osteotomy, and a 540 degrees volvulus of the small intestine was identified and derotated. An intestinal stricture was present at the site of the volvulus, and segments of bowel orad to the stricture were greatly distended. Following resection of abnormal bowel, the osteotomy was stabilized using self-tapping screws and figure-eight wire, and the defect was sealed with fiberglass cloth and fast-drying epoxy resin. A leiomyoma associated with the focal stricture was identified by histology. Appetite and defecation returned to normal. Six months after surgery, the turtle had regained normal buoyancy and showed no further clinical signs of gastrointestinal obstruction.