Synovial fluid from an African spur‐thighed tortoise (Geochelone sulcata)

Abstract

A 4.5-year old, male African spur-thighed tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) was presented to the University of Florida Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a 2-week history of lethargy, anorexia, constipation, dyspnea, and coughing up fluid or vomiting. Laboratory results included an inflammatory leukogram and a marked increase in plasma uric acid concentration. Synovial fluid from multiple joints was thick, chalky white, and opaque, with a grainy consistency. Microscopically, the fluid contained numerous brown, needle-like crystals consistent with urates (gout). Gross necropsy findings and histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of systemic gout, with urate deposition, gout tophi, and underlying necrosis in multiple organs, including kidneys, lung, and liver. Dehydration with concurrent renal insufficiency may have impaired urate excretion and led to a build-up of urates in the blood and tissues of this tortoise. A high protein diet also may have contributed to the development of gout. Cytologic evaluation of synovial fluid can be used as a quick and definitive tool to diagnose gout in tortoises.

Cytologic Diagnosis of Diseases in Reptiles

“…Gout may affect visceral organs and joints [11]. Synovial fluid from animals with articular gout is thick, opaque, and chalky white [12]. Microscopically, the fluid contains numerous brown needle-like crystals arranged individually and in small starburst-like aggregates (Fig.…”

Decompression syndrome and diving behavior in Odontochelys, the first turtle

“…It produces well-defined peripheral and para-articular erosions with new bone formation producing characteristic overhanging edges (Casimire-Etzioni et al 2004;Resnick 2002;Rothschild and Martin 2006), very different from what was observed in IVPP V 04415.…”

What is your diagnosis? Joint and associated tissue aspirates from a Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

“…Diagnosis of gout is made by identifying monosodium urate crystals in tissues, whereas pseudogout is diagnosed when a crystal other than monosodium urate is present . Polarized light microscopy is used to identify the birefractive property (birefringence) of urate crystals by positioning a polarizer filter beneath the specimen stage and placing an analyzer (second polarizer filter) above the specimen.…”