Assessment of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for use in evaluating the effects of dietary and environmental management on Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni)

Abstract

Tortoises raised in artificial conditions did not have deficits in BMD, compared with results for outdoor-housed hibernating tortoises. Supplemental calcium was apparently not necessary when an adequate photothermal habitat and plant-based diet were provided. Higher BMD of captive-raised tortoises was morphologically associated with a higher incidence of pyramidal growth in captive-raised groups.

Body condition scoring facilitates healthcare monitoring in Hermann’s Tortoises (Testudo hermanni ssp.)

“…Current gold standard for measuring body composition including fat and muscle proportions in cats and dogs is the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [ 60 , 61 ]. In principle, this tool is available also to chelonians, but the precision is constrained due to the overlay of the entire coelomic cavity with the carapace [ 62 – 64 ]. In addition, proper positioning of the animal is crucial to ensure accuracy in the measurement [ 65 ], therefore the animal should ideally be anesthetized.…”

“…Current gold standard for measuring body composition including fat and muscle proportions in cats and dogs is the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [60,61]. In principle, this tool is available also to chelonians, but the precision is constrained due to the overlay of the entire coelomic cavity with the carapace [62][63][64]. In addition, proper This effect was also seen in French tortoises, where female tortoises were significantly heavier (females: mean 816.53 ± 192.24g, males: mean 423.69 ± 111.08g) longer (females: median 15,96 ± 1,57cm males: median 13.05 ± 1.51cm), broader (female: median 11.84 ± 0.95cm, males: median 10.26 ± 1.04cm) and higher (female: median 8.13 ± 0.59cm, males: median 6.58 ± 0.53cm) than their male counterparts (Figs 7 and 8).…”