Anatomopathological Characterization of the Main Ocular Lesions in Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Along the Northern Coast of Bahia, Brazil.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify and report ophthalmic and adnexal diseases found in specimens of the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). ANIMAL STUDIED AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-nine animals stranded on the beaches of the north coast of Bahia, Brazil were submitted to necropsy. A total of 158 samples of the visual system (eyelids, eyes, and salt glands) from females (71.8%; 28/39) and males (28.2%; 11/39) were analyzed. RESULTS: Samples without macro and microscopic changes counted as 30.4% (48/158) of the evaluated samples. Approximately 69.6% (110/158) had ophthalmic lesions; 92 were bilateral (24 eyelids, 44 eyes, and 24 salt glands), and 18 were unilateral. The anatomopathological evaluation of the specimens revealed predominantly neoplastic and inflammatory lesions, with fibropapillomatosis (FP) being the most frequent finding (58.9%; 93/158), followed by spirorchidiasis (46.8%; 74/158). Other ophthalmic lesions included mucopurulent conjunctivitis, ulcerative keratitis, corneal perforation, panophthalmitis, phthisis bulbi, bilateral scar tissue in the eyelids, and lithiasis in the salt glands. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significance of understanding eye diseases as they can directly impact the management and preservation of sea turtles. This is particularly true for species in which the visual system plays a crucial role in feeding and migration. Therefore, this data can assist in promoting and implementing preventive and therapeutic measures for the conservation of these animals.