Literaturdatenbank
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Light, C. , Surgery and rehabilitation on a male painted terrapin (batagur borneoensis) - abstract. Unpublished paper presented at Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.
Added by: Admin (06 Jan 2014 18:22:56 UTC) |
| Resource type: Conference Paper BibTeX citation key: anon2012.14553 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Batagur borneoensis, Geoemydidae, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Untersuchungsmethoden - examination method, Veterinärmedizin - veterinary medicine Creators: Light Collection: Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles |
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Painted Terrapins (Batagur borneoensis) are freshwater turtles found in mangrove swamps and estuaries of Southeast Asia. Human consumption of eggs, collection for the pet trade and habitat loss have all led to a serious decline in numbers and this species is classified as Critically Endangered. The Downtown Aquarium Denver displays three Painted Terrapins in our Asian Turtle Exhibit. In March 2011, one presented with abnormal symptoms, including positive buoyancy, excessive hauling out behavior and inappetance. A radiograph was performed showing an intestinal impaction. Surgery was performed which involved cutting out a section of the plastron to obtain access to the intestines to remove the impaction. Although he successfully made it through surgery, during a follow-up physical, we found that the portion of the plastron that was removed was not adhering properly and he was suffering from a serious infection. Another surgery was performed to debride the infection site of the necrotic tissue, which was successful, but he was not out of the woods because the infection had not been completely removed and the tissue would need time to granulate. Since he would need bandage changes indefinitely, we needed to ensure that the wound stayed dry which meant that he would have to be out of the water for an extended period of time. He was still very sick and we felt that leaving him at the aquarium without supervision would be detrimental and we made the decision that someone would take him home to guarantee he was getting the most thorough care. Once we were able to spend more time working with him, we were able to keep him hydrated and eating and also ensure that he was getting the necessary rest and appropriate lighting. This was all accomplished through unconventional but effective routes. For instance, a special bowl was constructed for him to drink and eat out of, he slept and basked on a pillow and blanket, and he spent hours basking in the sun on a balcony. After a year of intensive care, he is doing great and will soon be returned to our Asian Turtle Exhibit.
Added by: Admin |