Literaturdatenbank
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Martínez-Silvestre, A., & Mateu de Antonio, E. M. (1997). Bacteriological features of rhinitis in captive greek tortoises, testudo graeca. Bulletin of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, 7(2), 12–15.
Added by: Admin (17 Aug 2008 18:17:21 UTC) Last edited by: Beate Pfau (22 Nov 2009 07:53:06 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: MartinezSilvestre1997a View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Bakterien = bacteria, Gopherus, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae, Testudo, Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni, Veterinärmedizin = veterinary medicine, Viren = viruses Creators: Martínez-Silvestre, Mateu de Antonio Collection: Bulletin of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Rhinitis does not appear to be a significant problem in free-ranging European tortoises. A prevalence of less than one percent in Greek tortoises, Testudo graeca, in Spain has been reported. In contrast, rhinitis is one of the most common problems in long-term captive Testudo tortoises. This condition is more frequent and is more severe in Greek tortoises compared to Herman's tortoises, T. hermanni. Similar observations have been seen in several reptile rehabilitation centers in Spain, France and Italy. The disease occurs at the beginning of the hibernation season (from September to February) and is characterized by bubbling from the external nares with nasal discharge ranging from serous to mucopurulent. There is a noticeable loss of weight resulting in a weakened physical condition which worsens the prognosis for recovery. Following emergence from hibernation in spring, some animals partially recover, gain weight and remain stable but frequently relapse with the onset of hibernation. Morbidity is high and mortality is low except in those cases with considerable weight loss or pneumonia. Pharmacological treatment often is unsuccessful. Good husbandry procedures stabilize ill animals but will not improve the health of rhinitic tortoises. It is unclear what role bacteria or viruses play in the development of this disease. Many microorganisms can be recovered from the oropharynx or nasal discharges of affected animals but some of these can be also recovered from apparently healthy tortoises. Recently, Mycoplasma spp. have been implicated as causative agents of rhinitis in desert tortoises, Gopherus spp. An avian serovar of Chlamydia psittaci has been associated with pneumonia in the Greek tortoise, Testudo graeca. Some viruses, especially Sendai virus, have also been involved in this process. Moreover, stomatitis, glossitis and rhinitis has been reported in Testudo tortoises due to herpesvirus but the role of viruses as a respiratory pathogens in these species is not fully understood. European wildlife rehabilitation centers euthanise affected tortoises and do not release doubtful animals for fear of spreading rhinitis. This paper presents the results of a bacteriological and clinical survey of rhinitis in 17 ill Greek tortoises from a collection of 32 animals in a reptile rehabilitation center in Catalonia, Spain.
Added by: Admin Last edited by: Beate Pfau |