Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using CT scans to find bone injuries in tortoise and turtles
By Abou-Madi, Noha et al.·Published in Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians·2004·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diagnosis of skeletal injuries in Chelonians using computed tomography.
- Species:
- reptile
Plain-English summary
A radiated tortoise was brought in for limping, and a CT scan revealed that the cause was a dislocated right shoulder joint, which had been missed on regular X-rays. Additionally, two snapping turtles were examined, and CT scans showed fractures in their shells and bones that also weren't visible on standard X-rays. The detailed images from the CT scans helped the veterinarians understand the injuries better and plan appropriate treatments.
People also search for: tortoise limping treatment · snapping turtle shell fracture · tortoise shoulder injury diagnosis
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) was used to diagnose the cause of lameness in a radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata) and to determine the extent of shell and skeletal trauma in two snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina). The radiated tortoise's lameness was ultimately attributed to luxation of the right-shoulder joint that was not detected during plain film radiography. Axial and appendicular fractures were identified in one of the snapping turtles that were not detected during plain film radiography. In each patient, the information obtained during CT provided important diagnostic, therapeutic, or prognostic information.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15305520/