Colocolic Intussusception Associated with Octangium sp. (Digenea: Microscaphidiidae) in a Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas

Abstract

Reports of intussusception in sea turtles are generally linked to marine debris ingestion; therefore, only a few cases of the disease are associated with parasitic infestations. The objective of this study was to describe the necropsy findings of the first reported case of colocolic intussusception in a green sea turtle Chelonia mydas, associated with the helminth Octangium sp. A juvenile female green sea turtle, which was registered and rescued by the team from the Cetaceans Project of Costa Branca, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, was examined. The animal died 1 d after being treated and was immediately submitted for necropsy. Our findings indicated that parasitic infestation by Octangium sp. in the green sea turtle caused intussusception and consequently led to the animal’s death. Early diagnosis and surgical correction are fundamental for a good prognosis and, consequently, for successful rehabilitation of marine species.

Pathoanatomical findings of a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) victim of collision with a motorboat

“…The state of Rio Grande do Norte has been identifi ed as an important area for the occurrence of the species C. mydas [5,6]. Thus, it is important to be aware of the effects of mechanized animal fi shing activities in the state to assist researchers and public agencies in the adoption of mitigation measures.…”

Intussusception Associated with Sand Accumulation in a Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)

“…Intestinal intussusception consists of the invagination of an intestinal segment into the lumen of the adjacent segment [7], the fi rst of which is called intussusceptum (the branch that is invaginated), and the second is called intussuscipiens (the branch that invaginates) [8]. Intussusception is a complex disease that is of great relevance for diseases of the digestive tract that affect domestic and wild animals and requires an early diagnosis to avoid more serious complications [7,[9][10][11][12].…”

“…In wild species, previous studies have described intussusception in reptiles, as in the snake Pantherophis guttatus, associated with cryptosporidiosis [9], and in a sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, associated with parasitic infestation with Octangium sp. [12].…”