Chelonian Emergency and Critical Care

Abstract

There are numerous chelonian species that arise from a diverse array of habitats. Chelonians are long lived and slow to reach sexual maturity, making them extremely vulnerable to human impacts on their habitat and populations. Unusual anatomic and physiological features, such as the shell and being ectothermic, make chelonians medically challenging for the veterinarian. This article presents information on the medical evaluation and stabilization of critically ill and injured chelonian patients presented to the emergency clinician. History taking, performing a physical examination, recommended diagnostic testing, fluid and transfusion therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation principles, nutritional support, hospital environment, and therapeutic agents recommended for the emergency and critical care of chelonians are reviewed. Differential diagnoses are presented for a variety of conditions encountered by the emergency clinician for marine turtles, tortoises, freshwater aquatic turtles, and terrapins. There are significant differences in the disease problems encountered by captive and free-ranging specimens. This review will be useful for the veterinarian working in private practice, zoological or aquarium medicine, and wildlife rehabilitation.