Osteoporosis and Bone Deformities in Free-Living Geoffroy’s Toadhead Turtles (Phrynops geoffroanus) Rescued from Urban Areas in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil)
Organic pollutants have bioaccumulative effects and induce a high index of toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This study reports on tomographic abnormalities found in free-living turtles (Geoffroy’s toadhead turtle, Phrynops geoffroanus) from an urban area near the Capibaribe and Beberibe River basins in Brazil, which are known to be contaminated by heavy metals and solid waste. Clinical and tomographic evaluation of eight turtles was performed to assess their health status for subsequent release. Tomographic analysis revealed bone abnormalities, including demineralization, coarse trabecular pattern, subperiosteal bone resorption, deformity of dorsal vertebrae, and shell fracture. Considering that turtles are recognized as bioindicators of water quality, a high occurrence of bone abnormalities may suggest environmental pollution in the studied area and signal that conservation initiatives are needed to safeguard the aquatic ecosystem of the metropolitan region of Recife.Abstract
Georeferenced analysis of the metropolitan region of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, indicating the location of the rescue points of Geoffroy’s toadhead turtles (Phrynops geoffroanus) used in this study.
CT images of Geoffroy’s toadhead turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus). (A) Multiplanar reconstruction image in the median sagittal plane used for orientation of the analysis points at the level of the second, third and fourth dorsal vertebrae. The QCT phantom is seen below the turtle (white arrows). (B) Cross-section at the level of the third dorsal vertebra, demonstrating the methodology for selecting the regions of interest for osteodensitometric analysis (1, vertebral body; 2, neural bone; 3, pleural bone).
Bone changes observed in CT scans of free-ranging Geoffroy’s toadhead turtles (Phrynops geoffroanus). (A) Visual decrease in radiodensity of the trabecular bone of the dorsal vertebra (white arrow), with the trabecular bone showing a degree of radiographic attenuation similar to the adjacent soft tissues. (B) Subperiosteal bone resorption (arrowheads). (C) Coarse bone trabeculation (*). (D and E) Dorsal vertebral body deformity (circles). (F) Three-dimensional reconstruction image demonstrating scoliosis secondary to vertebral deformities (black arrow). (G) Shell fracture (white broad arrow). (H) Three-dimensional reconstruction image demonstrating shellfracture line (black broad arrow).
