Turtles and Frogs

Question 1

What is the most important zoonosis of chelonians?

Answer 1

Salmonella

Question 2

Why do we need to take caution when intubating chelonians?

Answer 2

Bifurcation of the trachea is mid cervical - careful otherwise might end up on bronchus.

Question 3

Where would we take blood samples from in chelonians?

Answer 3

Like other species: dorsal coccygeal vein (tail vein)

Remember lizards are ventral

Question 4

Which drugs do we use in chelonians for analgesia?

Answer 4

Tramadol SC/IM has most evidence in marine species otherwise fentanyl patches are a good choice can also use methadone or morphine

Question 5

You are seeing a turtle that has been dropped off with multiple shell fractures what is your management plan?

Answer 5

• Take radiographs (once stabilised) - also check for other trauma not just shell fractures
• Initially treat as open wound (establish healthy granulation bed - apply dressings as appropriate
• once granulation bed established, consider repair using epoxy resin & fibreglass mesh.

Question 6

Which factors are associated with a poorer prognosis in a turtle with trauma/shell fractures?

Answer 6

• Multiple mobile shell fractures
• Fractures in the region of the vertebrae, head injuries
• Major disruption of pleuroperitoneum, resulting in coelomic contamination and infection
• Associated visceral trauma or girdle fractures
• Debilitated animals with chronic lesions

Question 7

Where do we sample blood from in frogs?

Answer 7

ventral abdominal vein - benefits do not often out weigh the risks though!

Question 8

“My frog is red or dead” - common presentation, what are the DDx?

Answer 8

Bacterial disease:
- range of bacteria usually gram negative
- test with C&S

Chytrid Fungus:
- fungal skin disease
- test: PCR swab from ventrum/medial thighs

Ranavirus:
- viral disease, mass mortality in some species
- test: PCR swab of lesions

Also consider toxicity - water, enclosure, cleaning products, get a good history, check water quality

Question 9

Can frogs get metabolic bone disease?

Answer 9

yes - same as in reptiles: Ca deficiency, prey items (insects) have low total Ca and inverse Ca:P ratio

Early clinical signs are spastic tetany after strenuous movement

Question 10

A turtle presents with shell fractures - what first aid would you provide?

Answer 10

Most critical:
- assess bleeding
- heat
- fluids
- analgesia
- antibiotics (if appropriate)
- clean and dress wounds

Clean and flush wounds with sterile saline
Consider temporary stabilisation of site using tape
Assess animal as a whole, neurological function, mobility, demeanour