Ophthalmic diagnostic tests in captive red‐footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) in Salvador, northeast Brazil

Abstract

In both seasons, Gram-positive bacteria were predominant. Median (± IQR/2) STT was 12.0 ± 3.5 mm/min, EAPPTT-1 was 15.9 ± 0.7 mm/15 s, and EAPPTT-2 was 15.4 ± 0.4 mm/min (OD) and 17.8 ± 1.0 mm/min (OS). Anterior chamber depth was 1.0 ± 0.1 mm, lens axial length was 2.3 ± 0.1 mm, vitreous chamber depth was 4.3 ± 0.2 mm, and axial globe length was 7.7 ± 0.3 mm. PFL was 11.7 ± 1.7 mm. Intraocular pressure was 11.5 ± 2.8 mmHg for males and 14.0 ± 3.5 mmHg for females (dorsoventral position) and 18.0 ± 3.2 mmHg for males and 24.1 ± 3.0 mmHg for females (ventrodorsal position with inclination of 45°). The ophthalmic parameters reported here can aid in the diagnosis of eye diseases in red-footed tortoises (Chelonoides carbonaria).

Conjunctival bacterial flora and antimicrobial susceptibility of captive and free‐living sea turtles in Brazil

“…Previous studies in sea turtles have reported conjunctival bacterial flora in sick animals . The mostly bacterial isolated of chelonians and other ectothermic animals are classified as mesophilic and its optimal temperature for growth is 25‐40°C, similar to the present study. However, there are no such studies on healthy sea turtles in free life or under human care nor any description of the antimicrobial susceptibility of their microflora.…”

“…Most conjunctival culture samples in this study showed bacterial growth, as reported for Chelonoides carbonaria and Trachemys scripta elegans . The greatest number of isolates was found in Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata , both from visitor center.…”

“…The identification and evaluation of comparative conjunctival flora in free‐living vs visitor center's sea turtles can contribute to the development of disease prevention, examination interpretation, and disease treatment protocols of captive or rehabilitated turtles in specific facilities . Comparisons of free‐living animals with those living in visitor centers reinforce the importance of species‐specific studies and environmental influence on the microflora that may impact turtles held in managed systems …”

“…Normal conjunctival flora has been described in chelonians such as turtles and tortoises . Previous studies in sea turtles have reported conjunctival bacterial flora in sick animals .…”

Determination of baseline values for routine ophthalmic tests in bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus)

“…Ophthalmology is becoming an essential specialty for maintaining healthy eyes in wild animals and exotic species . However, basic studies on eye physiology in some species of wild animals, especially those from South America, are still incipient, and baseline values for primates are particularly lacking .…”