Abstract
The slow metabolic rate of turtles4 frequently provides time for diagnostics and treatment, even when multiple disease processes and complications occur. A full diagnostic workup is recommended to address these challenges and proper triage is important in turtles. The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU-CVM) Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) is a student-run organization of mostly volunteers treating sick and injured native reptilian wildlife.2 On June 6, 2012 the TRT received a dehydrated and lethargic 2 kilogram female river cooter (Pseudemys concinna) with a left carapacial bridge fracture. The presenting complaint was suspicion of a fish hook in the turtle's esophagus. Physical examination showed abnormal CNS signs, a slight head tilt, old neck wounds, necrotic tissue at the bridge fracture site, left tympanic muscle atrophy, and eggs in the coelomic cavity. Blood glucose levels were normal (84 mg/dl: range 76–84 mg/dl)1 and the PCV was 12% (subcarapacial vein sample). Radiographs showed no evidence of a fish hook or gastrointestinal foreign body. Since nutritional deficiency may have been a factor for the presenting condition, 10 cc of Critical Care & Carnivore Care mixture (1:1, diluted with water to a 2 parts of the mixture of CC/CC and 1 part water; Oxbow Animal Health, 29012 Mill Road, Murdock, NE 68407 USA)5 was given. Since the patient was gravid, the TRT suspected hypocalcaemia. Calcium gluconate (100 mg/kg IM)1 was given empirically and the patient was monitored for attitude improvement. The turtle was kept in low water (less than 5 cm). One hour later, she remained depressed and food was given, to see if she had the ability to swallow. A neurological examination3 was scheduled to further address the problem. Despite therapy and supportive care the turtle was found dead 2 days after presentation. The necropsy revealed a large abscess at the level of the carina secondary to a focal perforation of the esophagus. The abscess may have physically obstructed the turtle from retracting her head and interfered with neck muscle and nervous function. Although this case was not successful it will be used to illustrate ways to improve chelonian emergency care and discuss alternative approaches to triage and treatment.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the efforts of the TRT and the many volunteers involved in this case including Anna Wepprich and Bethany Walters.
*Presenting author
Literature Cited
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