Diagnosis and management of intestinal partial obstruction in a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Title | Diagnosis and management of intestinal partial obstruction in a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Williams, R. S., S. E. Dennison, B. Dunnigan, B. Moore, J. Nicholson, K. Zagzebski, D. R. Ketten, S. R. Cramer, and J. J. Arruda |
Journal | Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine |
Volume | 44 |
Start Page | 457 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 457-461 |
Date Published | 06/2013 |
Type of Article | Scientific |
Other Numbers | 23805566 |
Keywords | caretta caretta, computed tomography, ct, gi, ingested, intestinal obstruction, loggerhead sea turtle, rubber suction cup, suction cup |
Abstract | A loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was suspected of ingesting rubber suction cups during rehabilitation following a cold-stun event. Survey radiographs were inconclusive. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to determine whether the objects had been ingested after traditional radiographs failed to resolve the material. The items were identified, and a partial obstruction was diagnosed. The case was managed with medical therapy using white petrolatum and light mineral oil administered to the turtle in fish for 3 wk. The CT exam was repeated 2 wk into the therapy. A persistent partial obstruction was identified; however, progression of the foreign objects through the intestinal tract was evident and continued medical management was deemed appropriate. The foreign bodies were passed with feces 26 days after ingestion. |
DOI | 10.1638/2011-0179R1.1 |