Sepsis en una tortuga bache (chelydra acutirostris) geriatrica mantenida bajo cuidado humano en el Zoologico de Cali-Colombia.

Abstract

A 23-year-old male bache tortoise was transported with zoo personnel due to inappetence, respiratory and ocular signs. Upon initial examination, an obese animal was found with lesions in the oral cavity, inflammation of the eyelids and ulcerative lesions on the carapace. In the diagnostic plan, blood was obtained from the coccygeal vein for hematology and blood chemistry, with results suggestive of chronic inflammation, lack of nutritional intake and hepatopathy. Diagnostic imaging by ultrasonography was performed, with alterations in echogenicity and hepatic volume that confirmed the suspicion of hepatic alteration. A presumptive diagnosis of sepsis, septicemic ulcerative shell ulcerative disease (SCUD) and liver disease with a guarded prognosis was made. Supportive treatment was started with nutraceuticals, assisted feeding, nebulizations, ophthalmic medication and environmental management (thermotherapy). The patient does not respond favorably to the therapy and is depressed. Due to the poor prognosis and lack of evolution, the decision was made to euthanize the patient. Necropsy and histopathology were performed, confirming the septic picture of the patient, with endocarditis and active bacterial hepatitis, additionally there was evidence of hepatic degenerative changes and thyroid hyperplasia