Computed tomography findings in stranded loggerhead sea turtles

Stranded marine turtles often present traumatic injuries related to human activity. Computed tomography (CT) is the reference imaging technique for polytrauma patients. The aim of this report is to describe the CT findings encountered in stranded marine turtles. Total-body CT scans were obtained in seven loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Post-processing involved multi-planar reconstruction and volume rendering. All the turtles included in the study had single or multiple lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Six turtles presented bone fractures, while one turtle showed a vertebral abnormality (scoliosis). In five turtles alterations of the lungs were evident. Four turtles had evidence of damage to the central nervous system. No lesions associated with the urinary tract or the liver were identified. In conclusion, lesions of the skeletal, respiratory and nervous systems were frequent and the CT scan was a useful diagnostic tool in traumatised turtles to detect and delineate the extent of the injuries and to monitor the progression of healing.

Additional Info

  • Authors: a Nardini G., b di Girolamo N., c Bielli M., a Vignoli M.
  • Authors note: a Clinica Veterinaria Modena Sud, Spilamberto (Modena) - b Clinica per Animali Esotici, Centro Veterinario Specialistico, Roma - c Ambulatorio Veterinario Michelangelo, Novara
  • Year: 2016
  • Reference: Veterinaria Year 30, n. 1, February 2016
  • Pages: 1 - 5
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