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.     

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.     

Calcium and phosphorus values and their derivatives in captive tortoises (Testudo species)

Objective : To evaluate the relationships between total calcium and phosphorus and ionised calcium and phosphorus values in clinically healthy tortoises. Methods : Jugular blood samples were obtained from 25 tortoises, as part of a health screen of the population. These comprised Hermann’s tortoises, Testudo hermanni boettgeri, spur-thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca ibera, marginated tortoises, Testudo marginata, and horsfield tortoises, Testudo horsfieldi. Plasma from these samples were analysed for total calcium, ionised calcium and phosphorus levels. These samples were taken in the immediate posthibernation period, before the onset of reproductive activity. Results : Females exhibited statistically significantly higher levels of phosphorus. Ionised calcium and total calcium levels were elevated in females compared with males, but this was not statistically significant. Females did have statistically significantly higher calculated solubility indexes and statistically significantly lower ratios compared with males. Clinical Significance : This study has provided an insight into the ratios and solubility indexes in tortoises, and this information may lead to further understanding of the significance of these parameters in chelonians.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Mycoplasma sp. infection in captive Marcgrave's capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius)

Three species of hemoplasmas are known to infect monkeys, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma kahanei’, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma aoti’. Marcgrave’s capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) is a critically endangered neotropical primate species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and thus, sustained efforts are needed to protect the health and well-being of these animals. This study has aimed to screen 12 captive S. flavius from the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, for hemoplasma infection. Packed cell volume (PCV) was measured and a pan-hemoplasma PCR protocol performed. A total of 8/12 (66.6%) monkeys were positive for the 16S rDNA gene of Mycoplasma sp., showing an identity of 99% to Mycoplasma sp. previously detected in Sapajus apella and Sapajus sp. monkeys from the Brazilian Amazon. Further studies should be conducted in order to elucidate whether this potentially novel Mycoplasma sp. is able to cause anemia in Sapajus sp. monkeys from Brazil.     

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.     

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.     

Prevalence and risk factors for dental disease in captive Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in the United Kingdom

Despite periodontal disease being recognized as a common condition in captive bearded dragons, there is a lack of data regarding the prevalence. A soft diet has previously been cited as the main risk factor linked to the disease, although there has been little research conducted into the etiology since the disease was first described. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dental abnormalities and disease in captive Central bearded dragons in the United Kingdom, and to begin to investigate the risk factors affecting the presence and increased severity of disease in this species. Data collection was conducted from 20 veterinary practices across the United Kingdom from March to October 2018. All bearded dragons presented to participating practices during this time period were assessed for the presence of dental disease, and for each animal a standardized data collection form was completed to provide information concerning the animal's signalment, diet, and health status. Severity of any dental disease was also graded in a subset of bearded dragons (n = 147) by two of the authors using a grading system from 0 to 5. The prevalence of dental abnormalities and disease was 50% in the sampled population of 304 bearded dragons. Increasing age, an abnormal body condition score, presence of concurrent disease, as well as presence of fruit in the diet were all significant risk factors for the presence of dental abnormalities and disease. Contrary to previous reports, neither presence of different live foods in the diet, nor presence of vegetable matter in the diet had any significant associations with dental abnormalities and disease, challenging some of the assumptions made to date about the etiology of dental disease in Central bearded dragons. This study instead found that fruit could be the main dietary risk factor for dental disease and should be excluded from the captive diet of these animals. This study has found a strong association between increasing age and presence of dental abnormalities and disease, and stresses the importance of a thorough oral exam, especially in older individuals.     

Soluble scute proteins of healthy and ill desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii)

OBJECTIVES: To characterize protein composition of shell scute of desert tortoises and to determine whether detectable differences could be used to identify healthy tortoises from tortoises with certain illnesses. ANIMALS: 20 desert tortoises. PROCEDURES: Complete postmortem examinations were performed on all tortoises. Plastron scute proteins were solubilized, scute proteins were separated by use of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and proteins were analyzed, using densitometry. Two-dimensional immobilized pH gradient-PAGE (2D IPG-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis, using polyclonal antisera to chicken-feather beta keratin and to alligator-scale beta keratin, were conducted on representative samples. The 14-kd proteins were analyzed for amino acid composition. RESULTS: The SDS-PAGE and densitometry revealed 7 distinct bands, each with a mean relative protein concentration of > 1 %, ranging from 8 to 47 kd, and a major protein component of approximately 14 kd that constituted up to 75% of the scute protein. The 2D IPG-PAGE revealed additional distinct 62- and 68-kd protein bands. On immunoblot analysis, the 14-, 32-, and 45-kd proteins reacted with both antisera. The 14-kd proteins had an amino acid composition similar to that of chicken beta keratins. There was a substantial difference in the percentage of the major 14-kd proteins from scute of ill tortoises with normal appearing shells, compared with 14-kd proteins of healthy tortoises. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The major protein components of shell scute of desert tortoises have amino acid composition and antigenic features of beta keratins. Scute protein composition may be altered in tortoises with certain systemic illnesses.     

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.     

Mycoplasma bovis and otitis in dairy calves in the United Kingdom

Signs of severe otitis media in 20% of dairy calves on one farm were associated with Mycoplasma bovis infection, based on isolation from the external ear canal and nares. Affected calves seroconverted to M. bovis and no other significant bacteria were isolated. Infection was considered likely to have originated from cows in the milking herd based on evidence of seroconversion and detection of infection in a milk sample. M. bovis infection should be considered when investigating otitis problems in calves.     

Prevalence of polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats in the United Kingdom.

The prevalence of polycystic kidney disease was assessed in 132 Persian cats, 46 of them referred for the investigation and treatment of medical or surgical conditions, and 86 apparently healthy cats referred specifically to be screened for the disease. Cats referred for the investigation of renomegaly or renal failure were excluded, and cats under 10 months old were only included if they had been examined postmortem. One hundred and twenty-six of the cats were examined ultrasonographically with a 7.5 MHz sector scanner, and the other six cats were examined postmortem. Forty-nine of the 86 cats referred specifically for screening (57.0 per cent) and 16 of the 46 cats referred for other clinical reasons (34.8 per cent) were affected by the disease, giving an overall prevalence of 49.2 per cent.     

Sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine and reversal with atipamezole in desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii).

Ten desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) were given i.m. injections of 150 microg/kg of medetomidine. Sedation was achieved in all tortoises by 20 min postinjection and was accompanied by a significant decrease in mean heart and respiratory rates, systolic, diastolic, and mean ventricular pressures, and mean ventricular partial pressure of oxygen (PO2). There was no change in mean blood pH, HCO3, Na+, K+, ionized calcium values, and mean ventricular partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2). There were statistically significant but clinically insignificant changes in mean base excess and pH-corrected ionized calcium values. Atipamezole given to five of the tortoises at 0.75 mg/kg i.m. significantly reversed the sedative effects of the medetomidine, with all tortoises returning to a normal state by 30 min after administration of the reversal agent. In comparison, the other five tortoises given an equal volume of physiologic saline in place of atipamezole (control group) remained significantly sedated for the duration of the study. In addition, the heart rate and ventricular PO2 returned to baseline, but the respiratory rate and ventricular blood pressures were not significantly altered by the atipamezole as compared with those of the control group. These cardiopulmonary and physiologic effects are similar to those seen in some domestic mammals. Medetomidine can be used to safely induce sedation in desert tortoises. For procedures lasting greater than 120 min, supplemental oxygen should be provided. Atipamezole will reverse the sedation but not all of the cardiopulmonary effects, thus necessitating continued monitoring after reversal. Future studies should address the anesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine in combination with other agents such as ketamine and/or butorphanol.