Skin disease affecting the conservation of the western swamp tortoise (Pseudemydura umbrina)

Objective To review the present position of the western swamp tortoise ( Pseudemydura umbrina ) as an endangered species and significant health issues affecting efforts to save it from extinction.
Procedure A retrospective analysis of the husbandry, hospital and pathology records of the western swamp tortoise captive breeding program at Perth Zoo.
Results In 1987 a captive breeding project was developed to prevent the extinction of the western swamp tortoise but an outbreak of a necrotising dermatitis in 1989 threatened the survival of the captive bred hatchlings. Less severe outbreaks occurred in 1990 and 1993, with isolated cases in between. Of 283 tortoises that were born in captivity or came into captivity from the wild, 37 (13.1%) were affected, comprising 37% of all males, 26% of all females and 13% of animals of unknown gender. Of the affected animals, 70% were less than 2 years of age and 29% were older. Males were 1.6 times more likely to be infected than females but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.27). Culture of the lesions consistently yielded unidentified Pseudomonas sp.
Conclusion Improved husbandry, such as strict maintenance of water quality and temperature conditions similar to that of the animal's natural habitat, and monitoring the health of individual tortoises have successfully controlled skin disease in the captive breeding of the western swamp tortoise.     

Weight and measurement data on tortoises (Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni) and their relationship to health

Normal bodyweight and carapace lengths for two species of tortoise are presented and a comparison made with changes in bodyweight in sick tortoises. Using these parameters veterinary surgeons will have guidelines for assessing the degree of debility in a tortoise of any age or size. A number of examples are given.     

The association between bloodwork,signalment, and urolithiasis in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Urolithiasis represents a common, potentially life-threatening condition in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). The purpose of this study is to determine the potential association between signalment, packed cell volume, total solids, selected biochemical parameters, and imaging evidence of urolithiasis in client-owned guinea pigs presented to two veterinary teaching hospitals. Medical record databases from two veterinary teaching hospitals were searched for cases of client-owned guinea pigs that had both a plasma biochemistry panel and an imaging study performed during one medical event. Other parameters including age, sex, weight, packed cell volume, and total solids were also recorded.Of the 81 guinea pigs that met the inclusion criteria, 32 animals (40%) had evidence of urolithiasis present on at least one of their imaging modalities. The odds for the imaging presence of urolithiasis increased with a decreasing packed cell volume, an increasing plasma creatinine concentration, and with a decreasing plasma phosphorus concentration.While these variables were statistically significant and associated with imaging presence of urolithiasis, they had low predictive value to discriminate between guinea pigs with and without imaging evidence of urolithiasis.Given the relatively high prevalence of urolithiasis in guinea pigs in this study, imaging is strongly recommended for every animal with suspected affliction.     

Comparison of 11 herpesvirus isolates from tortoises using partial sequences from three conserved genes

Herpesviruses are an important cause of epidemic disease in tortoises. There are at least two serologically distinct herpesviruses capable of infecting tortoises. Methods for the diagnosis of herpesvirus infections in tortoises include virus isolation and a number of different PCRs. We have compared 11 virus isolates collected from various species in different countries over several years using sequences from three different viral genes. During this study we used four different PCR protocols described for the diagnosis of herpesvirus infections in tortoises. The protocols used included two based on portions of the DNA polymerase gene, one targeting the UL5 homologue, and one targeting the UL39 homologue. Comparison of the methods showed that the tortoise herpesvirus-specific protocols were all serotype specific. Sequences of the obtained amplicons were compared with one another and with sequences of herpesviruses available in GenBank. The sequence alignments showed that the tortoise herpesviruses were most closely related to members of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. They also showed that the tortoise isolates could be clearly divided into two genogroups.     

南京地区犬尿石症的调查及尿结石成分的分析

对南京地区5家具有代表性的动物医院中近2年犬尿石症临床病例进行了系统调查,并应用傅立叶红外光谱、扫描电镜结合X-射线能谱对84个自然病例的尿石样品的成分作了分析。结果表明:(1):南京地区犬尿石症的发病率为0.58%~1.31%,其中雄性占54.02%,雌性占45.98%。(2)南京地区犬尿结石有4种类型,即磷酸铵镁(鸟粪石)、草酸钙、尿酸盐和磷酸钙。描述了各种结石的显微结构特征,并讨论了犬尿石症的发病原因。     

Intranuclear coccidiosis in tortoises: nine cases

Chelonian intranuclear coccidiosis has been reported once, in two radiated tortoises (Geochelone radiata), and is apparently rare. We describe intranuclear coccidiosis diagnosed histologically in two radiated tortoises, three Travancore tortoises (Indotestudo forstenii), two leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis), one bowsprit tortoise (Chersina angulata), and one impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa). Infection was systemic and involved alimentary, urogenital, respiratory, lymphoid, endocrine, and integumentary systems. Trophozoites, meronts, merozoites, macrogametocytes, microgametocytes, and nonsporulated oocysts were seen histologically or by electron microscopy. Intracytoplasmic and extracellular stages of parasite development also were identified histologically. Sequencing of a coccidial 18S rRNA consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product revealed a novel sequence that provided phylogenetic information and may be useful for further diagnostic test design. Intranuclear coccidiosis was associated with variable degrees of inflammation in all cases, was considered the cause of death in six tortoises, and was a substantial contributing factor to the cause of death in two tortoises.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE CALIFORNIA DESERT TORTOISE (Xerobates agassizi): ANATOMY AND APPLICATION

Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on healthy California desert tortoises to evaluate the utility of the anatomic acoustic windows available and to gain information about the normal echoanatomy of the tortoise. A major objective was to evaluate the potential clinical value of this diagnostic tool in these species. The soft tissue areas of the integument were used as acoustic windows. Three imaging approaches were described as mediastinal, axillary, and inguinal openings. The mediastinal and axillary approaches offered good visualization of the heart, liver, and gallbladder. The inguinal window allowed imaging of the intestines, urinary/accessory bladders, kidneys, and gonads. The pancreas and spleen could not be visualized. A tortoise with pericardial effusion and a tortoise with hepatic lipidosis are presented to illustrate clinical applications of ultrasound in diagnosing diseases of the tortoise.     

Feasibility and variability of corneal esthesiometry in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) depending on age and body weight

BackgroundHermann's tortoise is one of the most popular reptiles kept as pet which underlines the importance to reinforce the information needed to provide advanced and adequate veterinary care in exotic animal species. Therefore, the purpose of this study, performed in Testudo hermanni, was to evaluate corneal touch threshold (CTT) and its feasibility according to age and body weight.MethodsFifty-one healthy tortoises were classified in 2 groups (≤2 years [young; n = 25] and 8–10 years [subadult; n = 26]). Central CTT was measured by means of a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer and defined as the filament length required to elicit a blink in at least 3/5 applications. CTT feasibility according to body weight was also evaluated by diving the individuals in weight groups consisting of “lighter” (<400 g [n = 31]) and “heavier” (≥400 g [n = 20]) animals.ResultsMean CTT was 5.99 cm for the whole population (90% CI: 5.87–6.11), being 5.98 cm for young (90% CI: 5.81–6.15) and 6 cm for all subadult (90% CI: 6.00–6.00) tortoises, and 5.98 cm for lighter (90% CI: 5.84–6.13) and 6 cm for all heavier (90% CI: 6.00–6.00) tortoises. No statistical differences were detected between age and weight groups (P = 0.159 and P = 0.159, respectively). Three animals presented unilateral faint fluorescein uptake postesthesiometry (3/51; 2.9%) that resolved spontaneously within 48 hours.Conclusions and clinical relevanceCochet-Bonnet esthesiometer was a safe means of confirming high corneal sensitivity in all tortoises, which was high regardless of age. Increasing filament lengths would ultimately be required to determine the true corneal sensitivity scope of Testudo hermanni.     

Development of species-specific PCR techniques for the detection of tortoise herpesvirus.

Previously, a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed with consensus degenerate primers targeting highly conserved motifs within herpesviral DNA polymerase genes to detect a newly described tortoise herpesvirus. However, nucleotide sequence information obtained from the final amplified fragment was restricted to a small region of 181 bp. In the present study, additional sequences flanking this segment were determined from a PCR product successfully amplified using a set of known degenerate primers, which covered a 692-bp region within the tortoise herpesviral DNA polymerase gene. Polymerase chain reaction primers for specific amplification of the tortoise herpesviral DNA were designed on the basis of these nucleotide sequences and successfully amplified tortoise herpesviral DNA from the tissues of tortoises that were well characterized histopathologically with herpesviral infection. The lower limit of detection was 1,000 herpesviral DNA equivalents in the presence of normal tortoise genomic DNA. Furthermore, a more sensitive and specific PCR technique for the identification of herpesviral infections in tortoises was developed employing a heminested form, which will enable the detection of latent infections or herpesvirus carriers in tortoises.     

Identification of a novel herpesvirus from a California desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

Herpesviruses are significant pathogens of tortoises, causing upper respiratory tract disease and necrotizing stomatitis, with infections often associated with high mortality rates. Herpesvirus infection in a captive California desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) was detected by light microscopic observation of intranuclear inclusion bodies in various tissues followed by transmission electron microscopic observation of herpesvirus-like particles, and amplification of herpesvirus nucleic acid sequences using polymerase chain reaction. Using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, anti-tortoise herpesvirus antibodies were detected one month after initial onset of clinical signs. This novel herpesvirus is distinct from the previously described tortoise herpesvirus (tortoise herpesvirus-1, THV-1) sharing 83% sequence identity of 60 amino acids of a portion of the DNA polymerase gene and 79% sequence identity across 120 amino acids of a portion of the ribonucleotide reductase gene. Similar to THV-1, this novel herpesvirus, tortoise herpesvirus-2 (THV-2), also clusters with the alphaherpesviruses.     

Semen-Matrix Calculi in a Juvenile Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

A 10-month-old, intact male chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) was diagnosed with urolithiasis, unilateral hydroureter, and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral obstruction confirmed by radiography and ultrasonography. Nephrectomy and cystotomy were performed, and the urolith was suspected to be a semen-matrix calculus (mineralized copulatory plug) based on the discovery of sperm within the renal pelvis of the nephrectomized kidney on histopathology; this was later confirmed through a postmortem examination. Three months after initial presentation the chinchilla was diagnosed with recurrent urolithiasis, hydroureter, and hydronephrosis of the remaining kidney and ureter, and euthanized due to poor prognosis. Necropsy confirmed the presence of semen-matrix calculi in the ureter and urinary bladder. Veterinary clinicians should consider semen-matrix calculi as a differential diagnosis for radiopaque calculi within the bladder or urethra of male chinchillas. Pathogenesis may be formation of a coagulum secondary to retrograde ejaculation.     

Sedative Effects of Intranasal Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine in 2 Species of Tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria and Geochelone platynota)

The sedative effects of intranasal midazolam and dexmedetomidine were evaluated in 2 tortoise species as a means to facilitate handling and performing diagnostic procedures. Six red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) and 6 Indian star tortoises (Geochelone platynota) received the following treatments in a randomized order with 2-week washout periods between the treatments: midazolam (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg), dexmedetomidine (0.05 and 0.15 mg/kg), and saline control. Tortoises were evaluated and scored for sedation (using a previously published subjective method) by blinded observers, and results were averaged for each species and treatment group. Low-dose dexmedetomidine (0.05 mg/kg) in red-footed tortoises resulted in a significantly higher median sedation score at 5 minutes compared with other treatments. Control saline resulted in a higher median sedation score 5 minutes after administration in Indian star tortoises compared with red-footed tortoises. No other significant differences were observed between treatments or between species. The results suggest that intranasal administration of midazolam or dexmedetomidine, at the dosages used in this study, do not provide effective sedation in red-footed tortoises or Indian star tortoises, based on a subjective scoring system.     

Massive obstructive urolithiasis in a bull used for artificial insemination

A seven-year-old Jersey bull used for artificial insemination showed clinical signs of obstructive urolithiasis. This was confirmed by catheterisation and subsequent urethrotomy over the site of obstruction distal to the sigmoid flexure. Although urine flow was elicited after removal of the calculi, this was only temporary and the animal had to be killed 24 hours later. On post mortem examination about 2 kg of round, smooth, pearl-like calculi were found in the urinary bladder and the urethra of the sigmoid flexure was studded with similar calculi. It was concluded that urethrotomy at the sigmoid flexure or penectomy post scrotally would not have alleviated this condition.     

Differences in helminth infections between captive and wild spur-thighed tortoises Testudo graeca in southern Spain: a potential risk of reintroductions of this species

Although the spur-thighed tortoise, Testudo graeca, is one of the most widely distributed species of tortoises, its natural populations are threatened through its whole range. Particularly at south-eastern Spain, the species is mainly threatened by habitat destruction and over-collection, given that this chelonian has been traditionally considered an appreciate pet. As south-eastern Spanish wildlife recovery centers shelter hundreds of captive animals mainly coming from illegal trade or captive-bred, there is a strong debate about what to do with these animals: maintaining them in captivity all along their lives or reintroducing them to wildlife. It is well known that the reintroduction of captive animals supposes a risk for the wild population due to the uncertainty of their genetic origin and to the possible spread of infectious diseases. However, despite the increasing evidence that infectious agents are a potential health hazard for wildlife, little is known about the risk that introduced parasites could suppose for the wild populations of spur-thighed tortoise. The present study investigates for the first time the presence of helminth eggs and worms in faeces from 107 wild and captive individuals collected from mid-March to mid-June 2010, and relates the findings to different environmental and host variables. Sixteen oxyurid species and the ascarid Angusticaecum holopterum were identified. This last nematode and the oxyurid species Tachygonetria palearticus and T. seurati had not been reported in Spanish wild T. graeca previously. The prevalence of oxyurid eggs and worms were 94% and 70%, respectively; while, ascarid eggs and worms were found in 26% and 5% of tortoises, respectively. Ascarid infections affected mostly captive animals and were associated to caparace deformities and symptoms of upper respiratory tract disease (p<0.05). Oxyurid infections were not associated to negative health traits and prevalence increased with age. In free-living tortoises, the distribution of pharingodonid genera also varied according to habitat; moreover, T. longicollis, T. pusilla, T. conica, T. robusta and Mehdiella stylosa where significantly more frequent in wild compared to captive tortoises (p<0.05). Study results highlight important differences in the nematode fauna of captive and free-living tortoises and questions one more time if the reintroductions of captive animals suppose a risk for the wild population since the former ones can harbor and distribute among free populations pathogens like ascarid nematodes.     

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.     

Diseases of the respiratory tract of chelonians.

Diseases of the respiratory tract commonly occur in captive chelonians, and several diseases also have occurred in wild chelonians. Infectious causes include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Herpesviruses have surfaced as important pathogens of the oral cavity and respiratory tract in Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanii), spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca), and other tortoises in Europe and the United States. Herpesvirus-associated respiratory diseases also have been reported in the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in mariculture in the Cayman Islands. Of diseases caused by bacteria, an upper respiratory tract disease caused by Mycoplasma sp has been reported in free-hanging and captive gopher tortoises in the southeastern United States and in desert tortoises in the Mojave Desert of the southwestern United States. Mycotic pulmonary disease is commonly reported in captive chelonians, especially in those maintained at suboptimal temperatures. An intranuclear coccidia has been seen in several species of captive tortoises in the United States, and, in one case, a severe proliferative pneumonia was associated with organisms in the lung. The most common noninfectious cause of respiratory disease in chelonians results from trauma to the carapace. Although pulmonary fibromas commonly occur in green turtles with fibropapillomatosis, for the most part, tumors of the respiratory tract are uncommon in chelonians.     

Effects of blood processing techniques on sodium and potassium values: a comparison between Aldabra tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) and Burmese mountain tortoises (Manouria emys)

Background: Hematologic and plasma biochemical evaluations are routinely used in evaluating the chelonian patient, but appropriate processing techniques have been minimally defined.
Objectives: This study was designed to compare the effects of temperature, time, anticoagulant, and species on sodium and potassium values in the Aldabra tortoise ( Geochelone gigantea ) and the Burmese mountain tortoise ( Manouria emys ).
Methods: Blood samples from 7 Aldabra tortoises and 8 Burmese mountain tortoises were collected into tubes without anticoagulant and tubes containing lithium heparin. Sodium and potassium concentrations were measured by flame photometry in serum and plasma harvested immediately after collection and from aliquots of whole blood stored at 4°C and 25°C for 5 to 120 minutes.
Results: In Aldabra tortoises, storage time and temperature had no significant effect on potassium concentrations in heparinized blood and in blood without anticoagulant. However, sodium concentrations in serum and plasma decreased significantly in samples without anticoagulant stored at 4°C and 25°C and in heparinized samples stored at 4°C. In Burmese mountain tortoises, potassium concentrations in serum and plasma increased significantly with time in samples without anticoagulant and in heparinized samples stored at 4°C and 25°C, but the increases were less at 4°C. Sodium concentrations in serum and plasma decreased significantly in blood without anticoagulant and heparinized blood stored at 4°C and 25°C.
Conclusions: Storage of blood samples with and without anticoagulant at 4°C significantly improved the stability of potassium and sodium concentrations in both species of tortoises. Early separation of red cells from serum or plasma after blood collection is especially important to ensure the reliability of potassium measurements.