Diagnosis and management of oviductal disease in three red‐eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Abstract

Three mature, female, red‐eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) were individually, and separately, diagnosed with different forms of oviductal disease. Case 1 presented with acute cloacal bleeding and was diagnosed with acute oviductal rupture and ectopic eggs in the coelom. Case 2 presented for repeated scratching in the direction of the cloaca and was diagnosed with chronic oviductal impaction and coelomitis. Both cases were treated successfully by endoscopy‐assisted complete ovariosalpingectomy via a bilateral prefemoral approach. Case 3 presented with a reduced appetite and signs of nesting behaviour and was diagnosed with obstructive dystocia associated with bacterial salpingitis. Successful treatment consisted of transcloacal egg removal and systemic antibiotics. Complete recovery was achieved in all three turtles, which remained disease‐free 23 to 33 months later. Oviductal disease can present with a variety of clinical signs, and an accurate diagnosis can be made based on a thorough history, physical examination and appropriate diagnostic techniques.

Bir Kızıl Yanaklı Su Kaplumbağasında Plastronotomi İle Ooforektomi

“…Especially because of this reason in addition with the poor husbandry conditions, reproductive disorders such as oophoritis, salpingitis, dystocia, retained or ectopic eggs and follicular stasis are common in captive turtles [1,5,6] . The accumulation of follicles in the animal can cause anorexia.…”

“…In the case of follicular stasis, the increase in circulating lipid and protein is indicated as the cause of loss of appetite [6] . For the closure of the flap, adhesives such as polymethylmethacrylate, epoxy resin, fiberglass etc.…”

“…Also, blood tests (complete blood cell count (CBC) and blood biochemistry) can be helpful for diagnosis [2] . Proligestone may given for the treatment of the follicular stasis however has not been successful in most cases [6] . For this reason, surgical removal of follicules (oophorectomy) is accepted as more suitable treatment option.…”

Coelioscopic and Endoscope-Assisted Sterilization of Chelonians

“…Permanent prevention of unwanted breeding (eg, population management, management of inbreeding individuals, contraception of hybridized specimens) [5][6][7][9][10][11][12][13][14] Management of behavioral problems (eg, male aggression, traumatic courtship) Treatment and/or prevention of reproductive diseases and disorders Follicular stasis Dystocia Ovarian/salpingial/oviductal disease (eg, rupture, torsion, impaction, infection, neoplasia) Ectopic egg/follicle and/or egg yolk coelomitis Adjunct treatment of reproduction-related prolapses of the cloaca, oviduct, or phallus Testicular disease (neoplasia, infection)…”

“…[5][6][7][8] With advances in chelonian endoscopy, novel techniques for soft tissue prefemoral coelioscopic and endoscope-assisted sterilization have been published. 5,7,[9][10][11] Such techniques were shown to provide the same benefits as traditional prefemoral approaches, with the advantage of improved visualization of the coelomic cavity and the ability to perform intracorporeal surgery. 7 At present, minimally invasive techniques for chelonian sterilization can be offered for many species, opening a new revenue stream for exotic practitioners.…”