Investigation of Shell Disease in Map Turtles (Graptemys Spp.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Nineteen map turtles (Graptemys spp.) maintained under natural conditions were investigated because of chronic shell abnormalities. Animals were evaluated using a novel shell scoring system that divided the 54 scutes into six regions, with each region scored for lesion extent and severity, and summated to produce a total shell disease score (TSDS). Complete blood counts and various biochemistry analytes (total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, uric acid, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, phosphorus, and ionized and total calcium) were measured. Under ketamine-medetomidine-morphine anesthesia, cytology tape strips and full thickness shell biopsies were collected aseptically for microbiologic, histologic (including scoring of biopsy quality), and ultrastructural evaluations. The TSDSs were low and ranged from 4 to 22 (median59) out of a possible score of 54. There were no correlations between TSDS and any hematologic or biochemistry parameter. The histologic quality of shell biopsies was good, and normal shell structure, by both light and electron microscopy, is described. Small clefts and pitting lesions were noted in 8/19 sections. There was no evidence of erosion, ulceration, inflammation, or infectious agents, but algae and diatoms were observed. Six biopsies yielded aerobic isolates (Chryseobacterium indologenes, Aeromonas hydrophila, Ralstonia pickettii, and Morganella morganii), whereas 11 shell samples grew various clostridial anerobes. No fungal organisms were cultured. Although the etiology of the lesions described remains unknown, the use of a scoring system in conjunction with full thickness biopsies is suggested to help standardize investigations into chelonian shell disease in the future.

Identification and antibiotic resistance profiling of bacterial isolates from septicaemic soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis)

“…E. tarda and C. freundii have been isolated from clinical samples of soft-shelled turtles with fulminant septicaemia (Hu et al 2010). In agreement with previous studies (Kohler 2006;HernandezDivers et al 2009;Hu et al 2010;Chen et al 2013a;Chen et al 2013b), we identified aeromonads and enteric bacteria as the major pathogens associated with septicaemia and skin/shell diseases in softshelled turtles. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no information regarding infection with W. chitiniclastica and Comamonas spp.…”

“…In the present study, most of the identified bacterial species have been reported as infectious agents responsible for septicaemia in chelonia (Oros et al 2005;Hernandez-Divers et al 2009;Hu et al 2010). C. freundii is known to be the aetiological agent of septicaemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD), which is accompanied by liver necrosis (Kohler 2006).…”

“…In addition, M. morganii and C. indologenes have been suggested to be infectious agents associated with shell necrosis in map turtles (Graptemys spp. ;Hernandez-Divers et al 2009). E. tarda and C. freundii have been isolated from clinical samples of soft-shelled turtles with fulminant septicaemia (Hu et al 2010).…”

“…Chryseobacterium spp. and Morganella morganii can also be isolated from turtles with shell disease, if only rarely (Hernandez-Divers et al 2009). In the absence of vaccines against specific bacteria, antibiotic treatment is the best way to control these pathogens in aquaculture.…”

Comparative in vitro efficacy of eight essential oils as antibacterial agents against pathogenic bacteria isolated from pet-turtles

“…Aeromonas and Pseudomonas spp. have been isolated from turtles with pneumonia, and many other infections in turtles with bacterial aetiologies have been described (McArthur 2004;Kohler 2006;Hernandez-Divers et al 2009;Chen et al 2013;Chung et al 2017).…”