Skin and skeletal system lesions of european pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from natural habitats

Abstract

Water pollution is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of plastron, carapace and skin diseases of turtles. In this study, a total of 150 European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) of different age and both sexes, originating from natural habitats in Serbia, were examined for morphological changes of the skin, plastron, carapace and skeletal system. The turtles were taken out from their natural habitats in Lake Ludas, Lake Palic and Lake Tresetiste. After artificial hibernation, they were subjected to detailed examination, sampled and treated, and finally returned into their natural habitat. Biopsies from the skin and shell were subjected to histopathological examination and microbiological analysis. X-ray scanning was also performed to detect changes in the skeletal system. Macroscopic changes of the skin, most frequently degenerative, inflammatory or neoplastic diseases, were diagnosed in 49.33% of the turtles examined. Dermatitis of different origin and form was the most prominent histopathological finding (28.00%). In the plastron, inflammatory and degenerative processes were frequently found. Osteopathy and mechanical injuries were the dominant findings. Macroscopic changes of the plastron, carapace and skeletal system were diagnosed in 67.33% of the turtles examined. Using X-ray scanning, generalised osteopathy, anomalies and malformations of different aetiology were also diagnosed on the tail and legs. Microbiological examinations showed the presence of a variety of bacterial and fungal agents, either primary pathogens or potential polluters, which invaded the skin and shell, or were present in cloacal swab samples. Bacterial infection was diagnosed in 76.66% of the turtles, first of all in those with skin and shell necrosis. Mycoses were diagnosed in 33.33% of the animals.

Prevalence and parasitemia of Haemogregarina sp. in Podocnemis expansa (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from the Brazilian Amazon

“…Both the wild animals and the specimens from the breeding facility of the Xambioá Indigenous Land appeared to be healthy and without visible anomalies. However, in the breeding facility of the Praia Alta Ranch, there were animals with soft shells and a relatively high amount of skin ulcerations, most likely caused by fungi and bacteria (ALEKSIĆ-KOVAČEVIĆ et al, 2014). The presence of unidentified slime material on the shells of the animals of the Praia Alta Ranch was also observed.…”

Phalangeal bone anomalies in the European common toad Bufo bufo from polluted environments

“…A similar phenomenon has been described for rats, whereby exposure to Cd and Pb led to disturbances in bone structure connected with an early stage of osteoporosis in these young individuals (Duranova et al 2014; Lu et al 2014). As well, studies of European pond turtles at three natural locations differing in their degree of pollution showed that nutrient-rich (nitrogen and phosphorus) and polluted waters exert a major impact on the pathogenesis of plastron and carapace including necrosis and osteoporosis (atrophy of bone tissue) (Aleksić-Kovačević et al 2014). …”

Cytological And Molecular Identification Of Haemogregarina Stepanowi In Blood Samples Of The European Pond Turtle (Emys Orbicularis) From Quarantine At Belgrade Zoo

“…Due to the wet habitat, a number of bacteria can invade the organism via mechanical lesions of the shell [16] and mycoses were often described to be the cause of shell necroses [17,18]. The alterations in haematocrit, number of erythrocytes and haemoglobin concentration, basophilia, eosinophilia, heterophilia, and azurophilia can be regarded as typical of turtles suffering from chronic infections, undernourishment and chronic stress [19].…”