Herpesvirus epidemic in Greek (Testudo hermanni) and Moorish land tortoises (Testudo graeca) in Switzerland

Based on an epidemic in Switzerland, the histopathological findings of a viremic Herpes infection in Spur-tailed and Spur-thighed mediterranean land tortoises are described for the first time. Horizontal viral transmission has been proved; the vertical transmission is suggested. An impression smear of the tongue enables an early clinical diagnosis.     

Seasonal variations in haematological data from Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni) in captivity

Reference values for a variety of haematological parameters in 18 Mediterranean tortoises of two species (Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni) were determined on six occasions during the year. Statistically significant seasonal variations were demonstrated in all parameters.     

Post hibernational anorexia in captive Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo graeca and Thermanni)

Post hibernational anorexia in captive Mediterranean tortoises is an increasingly recognised condition. It is associated with increased blood urea and low blood glucose concentrations and dehydration. A theory to explain its underlying physiology is presented, based on studies of the seasonal and cyclic variations in the tortoises' blood composition. Measurements useful for predicting the condition are identified and a logical approach to therapy is proposed.     

Rhinitis in long term captive Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo graeca and T hermanii)

Rhinitis is a common condition of captive Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo species). The interpretation of the results of the bacteriological examination of naso-oropharyngeal swabs from affected individuals has proved difficult, because the normal bacterial population of this region was unknown. No substantial differences in the strains of bacteria isolated from healthy individuals and from those affected by rhinitis could be found in this study. The report that Sendai virus was implicated in the genesis of rhinitis in tortoises could not be substantiated. Paired blood samples failed to show a rise in titres against Sendai virus in either study group.     

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.     

Seasonal variation in blood biochemistry of long-term captive Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo graeca and T hermanni)

Reference values for five blood chemistry parameters in 18 Mediterranean tortoises of two species, Testudo graeca and T hermanni, were determined on up to 10 occasions during the year. Statistically significant seasonal variations were demonstrated in blood urea and blood glucose. Seasonal variations were demonstrated in blood urea and blood glucose. Seasonal variations in total plasma proteins, lipids and cholesterol, however, were limited to gravid females. The study also suggested that three energy sources were available to the tortoise during hibernation, lipids stored in the fat body, endogenous protein degradation and glucose derived from hepatic glycogen.     

Atypical systemic mycobacteriosis in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni)

Background: Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is a near threatened species found throughout southern Europe. Captive breeding of endangered species is subject to health risks, such as the stress of captivity and ambient conditions that may favor the emergence of infectious diseases. An episode of systemic atypical mycobacteriosis was investigated in six Hermann's tortoises from a captive population. The symptoms appeared in the form of anorexia, weakness, and lethargy, with inflammatory and edematous lesions of the hind limbs and tail. Four of the affected tortoises were euthanized and necropsied. Methods: Blood samples and joint aspirates were obtained for assessment. Euthanasia of four affected animals was performed. Postmortem examination included necropsy, histopathology, and mycobacterium detection by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the other two animals, only hematology and blood biochemistry was carried out. Results: Hematological and blood biochemistry analyses gave inconsistent results. In joint aspirates, mononuclear cells with phagocytozed bacillary structures were observed. Ziehl-Neelsen stain revealed the presence of acid-fast bacteria. Granulomatous lesions were observed in liver, lungs, spleen, heart, muscle, kidney, and ovaries. Culture and identification were positive for mycobacteria and molecular sequencing led to the identification of Mycobacterium nonchromogenicum. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Although mycobacteriosis is rare in reptile collections, strict hygienic and prophylactic measures in species of high ecological value must be performed, especially if the animals are to be used for reintroduction projects.     

Pulmonary candidiasis caused by Candida albicans in a Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca) and treatment with intrapulmonary amphotericin B.

An adult female Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca) presented with dyspnea, lethargy, and anorexia. Severe unilateral pulmonary candidiasis was diagnosed and confirmed by histologic and microbiologic evaluations. Initial treatment with ketoconazole resulted in plasma elevations of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and bile acids consistent with imidazole-induced hepatotoxicity. Plasma chemistry abnormalities resolved upon withdrawal of the drug. Temporary osteotomy permitted access to the diseased lung and facilitated intrapulmonary catheterization. Intrapulmonary amphotericin B therapy at 0.1 mg/kg s.i.d. for 34 days proved to be both safe and effective in this case.     

Herpesvirus infection in tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri and Testudo horsfieldii)

Large numbers of pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) and Horsfield tortoises (Testudo horsfieldii) in three consignments imported into Japan died soon after arrival. Some tortoises in the first consignment were dead on arrival. Postmortem examination of two of the pancake tortoises and four of the Horsfield tortoises revealed necrotizing lesions of the oral mucosa in both species, primarily in the tongue. Eosinophilic to amphophilic inclusion bodies were visible in the nuclei of mucosal epithelial cells in the lesions. Similar inclusion bodies were observed in the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, stomach, lungs, kidneys, small and large intestines, pancreas, and cerebrum of the pancake tortoises and in the liver, spleen, and pancreas of the Horsfield tortoises. Electron microscopic examination of the cells containing inclusion bodies showed herpesvirus-like particles about 100 nm in diameter in the cytoplasm. Nested polymerase chain reaction analysis using a herpesvirus consensus primer method confirmed the presence of a characteristic herpesvirus base sequence in tissue from these lesions.     

Prevalence of Mycoplasma agassizii and Chelonian herpesvirus in captive tortoises (Testudo sp.) in the United Kingdom.

During the months of April to August in 1999 and 2002, oral swabs were collected from 146 tortoises (Testudo sp.) in private collections in the United Kingdom and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Mycoplasma agassizii and Chelonian herpesvirus (ChHV). The presence of M. agassizii was confirmed by restriction digestion of the PCR product. A 307-bp fragment of the ChHV UL5 homologue gene was sequenced and found to show most similarity to equine herpesvirus type 1. A prevalence of 15.8 and 8.2% was found for M. agassizii and ChHV, respectively. Comparison of the carriage of both M. agassizii and ChHV in different species of tortoises correlated the presence of M. agassizii with Testudo horsfieldii and ChHV with Testudo marginata and Testudo graeca iberia. An association of ChHV with stomatitis was also found. Mixed infections with both agents were detected. The findings further demonstrate this pathogen-tortoise association and the cross transmission of these infections if different tortoise species are housed together.     

Herpesvirus outbreak in a group of mediterranean tortoises (Testudo spp).

ChHV and Mycoplasma agassizii infections in tortoises share similar clinical signs of lethargy, anorexia, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. In addition, ChHV infection is associated with glossitis and stomatitis and often causes high morbidity and mortality. As was seen in this case, ChHV infection tends to cause higher mortality in T hermanni compared with T graeca and T marginata. T horsfieldi is also considered highly susceptible to ChHV but appeared unaffected in this outbreak.     

Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in 22 captive tortoises (Testudo species)

The plasma concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was measured in 13 adult Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni), seven adult spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) and two adult marginated tortoises (Testudo marginata) during 2004. They were healthy, of both sexes, and kept in captivity under natural unfiltered sunlight in southern England with no dietary sources of cholecalciferol. Blood samples were taken in March, June and August, and the concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol did not vary significantly with the seasons. However, the concentrations in the female tortoises were always significantly lower than in the males.     

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of pericardial effusion and atrial dilation in a spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)

Ultrasonography was used to diagnose pericardial effusion, atrial dilatation and liver masses in a spur-thighed tortoise which was more than 80 years old and suffering from posthibernation anorexia, lethargy, oedema and pneumonia. The tortoise was treated twice with frusemide and ceftazidime for the pneumonia, resulting each time in a temporary remission for about a month. After a further recurrence, the animal was euthanased and the lesions predicted by ultrasound were confirmed postmortem. It is suggested that ultrasound may be useful for the differentiation of cardiac problems from other causes of posthibernation lethargy in the tortoise.