ABSTRACT

A wild-caught gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, was examined on three occasions for evaluation and treatment of subcutaneous masses. Following histopathologic examination and microbiologic culture of the masses, a diagnosis of Serratia marcescens abscesses was made. Despite surgical excision of the abscesses followed by two courses of treatment with ceftazidime (20 mg/kg q 72 h for 2 wk) given two months apart, further abscess formation occurred. While radiography failed to reveal any internal masses, magnetic resonance imaging revealed masses within the lung parenchyma. The tortoise was euthanatized, necropsy revealed multiple abscesses in the liver, kidney, and lung. Magnetic resonance imaging was found to be a useful diagnostic tool in a case where abscesses within the coelom were suspected.