Anorexic turtle

Question 1

Differential list for anorexic turtle/turtoise

Answer 1

• Bladder stone (palpation through femoral fossa most commonly on the left)
• Too cold
• Internal parasites
• Post brumation = hibernation
• Reproduction
• Upper respiratory disease

Question 2

Treat the anorexic turtle/turtoise

Question 3

Good ressources for turtle/turtoise

Answer 3

Anapsid.org

Zoomed.com

Question 4

Physical exam in a turtle/tortoise

Answer 4

Turtoise, better with sedation midazolam 0.3-1 mg/kg

Start nose to toes

swollen eye, blepharitis = vit A def

ear swelling = assume Vit A def in turtle

examine mouth but leave it for the end of the exam.use a credit card or guitar pick or spatula

Shell look at the symmetry, retained scutes

Palpate the femoral fossa but not recommended in sulcata or leopard tortoise will crush finger

Body conditions

Question 5

Treatment for anorexic turtle

Answer 5

Supplemental heat (if water specie, supply wet towel warm)

SC fluid 20 mL/kg/day SQ pre femoral fossa

If def vit A = injectable Vit A. Vital E newborn 0.1 mL/300 gm

Dystocia: Calcium gluconate 100 mg/kg IM. Oxytocin 10 IU IM (one hour later)

if Gravel impaction metamucil 1 tsp/kg or 2 tsp/ 100 L tubed at dose of 10 mL/kg og the above follow with 10 mL/kg H20

Parasite pending parasite. never use ivermectin

URD ceftazidime 20 mg/kg q72h

Question 6

Supportive care for anorexic chelonian without dx tests

Answer 6

Pre femoral fossa fluids
Injectable vitamin A,D,E
Calcium
assist feeding