Assessing the Sick Chelonian

Normal behavior

Chelonian behavior varies with the species, the individual, and the degree of habituation to human caretakers. Normal turtle and tortoise behavior in the examination room can range from the curious, active animal to an inanimate shell with retracted head and limbs.

Normal chelonian behavior

Figure 1. Normal chelonian behavior varies in the exam room with the species and the individual.

Restraint

Most chelonians are easily held by the shell, however some aquatic turtles may be more aggressive. Some species like red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta) will scratch with their claws or reach their long necks around to bite the handler. Use particular caution with freshwater snapping turtles as they can inflict deep, painful bites.

 

Signs of illness

Exotic animal medicine requires a delicate balance between medical concepts true for all living creatures (“one medicine”) and species-specific information and this is true for turtles and tortoises (Table 1).

Table 1. Signs of illness in the turtle or tortoise
“One medicine” concepts Unique to chelonians
  • Depression, listlessness, inactivity
  • Emaciated, dehydrated turtles tend to keep their eyes closed. (Rule out ocular disease for closed eyes).
  • The eyes may also be sunken in the dehydrated, emaciated chelonian.
  • Anorexia: The significance of this finding can vary with season and reproductive status
  • Weight loss, loss of body condition
  • The lethargic, weak chelonian may exhibit a lack of carpal or truncal lift. It may sit flat on the exam table instead of lifting up on all four feet, and it may not be able to retract its head into the shell with the expected degree of strength. It can be challenging to extend the head and neck even in the weak chelonian.
  • Much of the chelonian is encased within the shell and overlying keratin scutes (Figure 2). Look for ulcerative lesions, changes in pigment, increased space between the carapace and plastron, a soft or distorted shell, scute abnormalities, as well as fluid, odor, and discoloration beneath the scutes. An erythematous blush to the plastron is often associated with septicemia.
Slider scutes

Figure 2. Closely examine the shell and overlying keratin scutes. Image provided by Dr. J. Wyneken.

Respiratory disease is an important problem in turtles and tortoises. Chelonians subtly move their head and limbs with each breath, but this pumping movement is more pronounced when there is underlying respiratory disease. Breath sounds may also become audible and the chelonian may stretch its neck and gape its mouth while laboring to breathe. Aquatic turtles with pneumonia may exhibit uneven floating.

 

Physical examination

  • Weight loss: Subjectively the heft of the chelonian will be less than a rock of similar size when there is weight loss. A chelonian in good body condition will also have well-fleshed lower limbs, while the emaciated chelonian may have wrinkled, bony legs.
  • Eyes-ears-nose-throat:
    • Edema of the eyelids can be seen with hypovitaminosis A.
    • Ocular discharge can accompany respiratory disease.
    • Check the tympanic membrane or scale for swelling. The skin over the middle ear should be slightly concave.
    • Evaluate the nares. Any nasal discharge is abnormal unless it is associated with drinking or eating watery foods.
    • Palpate the jaw and beak. The accumulation of any material on the beak is abnormal. Is the beak cracked, misshapen, or overgrown? Overgrown beak and nails may be seen with malnutrition although elongated nails may be a normal secondary sex characteristic in the males of some species.
    • Use an oral speculum to evaluate the oral cavity.
    • Look at the mucous membranes and tongue as well as the back of the throat. Coalescing white plaques at the back of the throat may be seen with infectious stomatitis caused by herpesvirus in tortoises.
  • Auscultation is a low yield test because of the carapace or upper shell, but may be attempted. Placing moistened gauze between the stethoscope’s diaphragm and the chelonian may enhance conduction of breath sounds. Use of a Doppler probe over the neck is a better method to evaluate the heart.
  • Evaluate the skin. Although chelonians shed in a much more piecemeal fashion, regular shedding does occur.
  • Coelomic palpation is a limited test since it involves inserting an index finger in the axillary and inguinal spaces.
  • Evaluate the vent for evidence of fecal pasting, erythema, or prolapse.
  • Evaluate the limbs, joints, and nails.
  • Secondary sex characteristics in adult males may include:
    • Longer, thicker tail
    • More distal vent
    • Concave plastron or lower shell
    • The anal notch on the plastron may also be narrower and deeper

References

References

Boyer TH. Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. In: Mader DR (ed). Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed. St. Louis; Saunders Elsevier; 2006. Pp. 696-704.

Kirchgessner M, Mitchell MA. Chelonians. . In: MA Mitchell, TN Tully (eds). Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. Pp. 207-249.

To cite this page:

Pollock C. Assessing the sick chelonian. May 4, 2011. LafeberVet Web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/assessing-the-sick-chelonian/