Abstract
Retained eggs in the oviducts can lead to grievous complications in turtles, including hind-limb paresis/paralysis, salpingitis, coelomitis, uterine rupture, bladder rupture, and death.9,7,10 As a clinician, the decision to medically-induce ovoposition is based upon several factors, including medical history, species, and time of year. Most freshwater turtle species do not retain shelled eggs for months under natural conditions. The clinician's decision to medically-induce ovoposition may be complicated by unique life-history traits of certain species, such as the chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia). D. reticularia possess unique reproductive strategies in contrast to other species, including a late-summer through late-winter egg-laying period,5,6,8 prolonged egg retention in the oviduct,3,1 limited food intake during egg-laying,8 and an extended embryonic diapause after ovoposition.8,2,4 While published reports have highlighted the chicken turtle's ability to retain eggs overwinter in laboratory and natural settings, the authors are unaware of peer-reviewed publications regarding treatment of prolonged egg retention in an injured chicken turtle. On February 10, 2003, an adult female chicken turtle was evaluated by the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU-CVM) Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) for prolonged anorexia of approximately 160 days. The turtle had been hit by a car the previous fall and was initially treated by a rehabilitator in Wilmington, North Carolina. The turtle had suffered a vehicular-induced forelimb amputation and multiple carapacial fractures. Betadine® solution (Applicaire, Inc., Meriden, CT, 06459, USA) and Triple Antibiotic Ointment® (Major Pharmaceuticals, Livonia, Missouri, 48510, USA) had been applied to the wounds which were allowed to heal by second intention. Initial evaluation by the TRT showed the turtle to be bright, alert, responsive (BAR), and in good body condition. At least four eggs were palpated via the prefemoral fossae. Radiographs revealed the presence of 13 eggs. Follow-up ultrasonography was performed. No eggs were found in the urinary bladder and Doppler blood flow was observed from at least one egg. Three doses of 10 units/ kg of oxytocin (Ovoject, IVX Animal Health Inc., St. Joseph, Missouri 64507, USA) and one dose of calcium gluconate (APP Pharmaceuticals, LLC., Schaumberg, Illinois, 60173, USA) were administered intramuscularly. The turtle was monitored continuously for egg-laying activity. Six hours after the first oxytocin dose was administered, 12 eggs were laid within 1 hour. The turtle was returned to water 22 hours later, and the 13th egg was found within 2 hours. Due to the turtle's continued inappetence, 10 mg/kg Vitamin B complex (Sparhawk Lab, Inc. Lenexa, Kansas, 66215, USA) was administered subcutaneously and the turtle was force-fed. The turtle remained BAR, continued to urinate and defecate normally, and was returned to the rehabilitator 3 weeks later. The eggs were incubated by the TRT. Approximately 130 days post-ovoposition, one egg hatched. The hatchling was monitored for 2.5 weeks before being released in Wilmington, North Carolina. While the authors acknowledge ex post facto that intervention may not have been warranted in this case due to D. reticularia's life-history, the decision to induce ovoposition was based upon the turtle's medical history and resulted in a positive outcome.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Mr. Jeff Beane of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and Ms. Beth Howard of Wilmington, North Carolina, for their input into this case. The authors would like to acknowledge the NCSU-CVM TRT for their efforts and contributions to veterinary medicine.
* Presenting author
+ Student presenter
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