Gastro-Duodenal Perforations and Coelomitis in a Group of Juvenile Spiny Softshell Turtles (Apalone spinifera)
A recovery plan was developed for the threatened spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) population in the province of Quebec, which included the implementation of a head-start program with the objective of increasing juvenile survival over the first winter. High mortality rates were observed during the first two years of the program (2014: 22.5% [7/31], 2015: 55.0% [22/40]). Mortalities for both years were associated with an unusually high occurrence of coelomitis consecutive to a confirmed (N = 11) or suspected (N = 4) gastro-duodenal perforation. Microscopically, the coelomitis consisted of serosal mesothesial cell hypertrophy, fibrinous to granulomatous inflammation, visceral adhesions, as well as the presence of bacterial colonies and alimentary particles. Marked dilation of the gastrointestinal tract associated with abundant food material, suggestive of a digestive impaction/ileus, was frequently observed with the coelomitis cases. During the second year of the program, the increase in the quantity of food offered and the substitution of freeze-dried Gammarus shrimp with larger and more abrasive sun-dried red shrimps (Solenocera melantho) were identified as potential risk factors for gastrointestinal perforations and could account for the increased mortality rate observed. Prospective dietary studies are warranted to establish optimal diet parameters in juvenile individuals from this species.Abstract
Gastric perforation (white arrow) noted during gross examination of a juvenile spiny softshell turtle.
Transmural duodenal perforation in a juvenile spiny softshell turtle (white arrow). Note the presence of a histologically normal residual vitelline body (black arrow). HEPS stain. Bar = 2 mm.
(A) Chronic active coelomitis in a juvenile spiny softshell turtle, with a granulomatous reaction centered on fibrinous debris (white arrow) and thickening of the digestive wall associated with an infiltration of inflammatory cells (black arrow). HEPS stain. Bar = 2 mm. (B) Hypertrophied mesothelial cells (black arrowhead) indicate acute coelomitis associated with food particles (white arrowhead) found in the vicinity of the pancreas and duodenum in a magnification of Figure 3A. HEPS stain. Bar = 500 μm. (C) Magnification of a granulomatous reaction centered on fibrinous debris and food particles (white arrowhead) in the same individual. HEPS stain. Bar = 500 μm.
Marked digestive dilation in a juvenile softshell turtle associated with flattened intestinal villosities and abundant digestive content. HEPS stain. Bar = 2 mm.
