Permanent percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy tube placement in a Hermann’s tortoise

Abstract

The patient had been diagnosed with renal insufficiency and hepatic lipidosis. A method had to be found to support the patient, providing fluids, nutrition and drug therapies. Standard oesophagostomy tube placement was not tolerated by the patient 1 . The tortoise kept removing the tube. An alternative method of delivering nutritional support, fluids and medical treatment was sought. No references were found indicating this is a novel method. The tube was fitted under general anaesthetic, through a 4-mm-diameter hole that was created in the second pleural scute above the bridge on the left side of the carapace. The hole in the carapace was filled using dental acrylic (Centri Base, WHW Plastics) and has only had to be replaced once in 18 months after placement.