Solitary Large Intestinal Diverticulitis in Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)

Leatherback sea turtles are globally distributed and endangered throughout their range. There are limited data available on disease in this species. Initial observations of solitary large intestinal diverticulitis in multiple leatherbacks led to a multi-institutional review of cases. Of 31 subadult...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary pathology 2015-07, Vol.52 (4), p.712-715
Main Authors: Stacy, B. A., Innis, C. J., Daoust, P.-Y., Wyneken, J., Miller, M., Harris, H., James, M. C., Christiansen, E. F., Foley, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Diverticulitis - pathology
Diverticulitis - veterinary
Diverticulum - veterinary
Endangered Species
Female
Intestinal Diseases - pathology
Intestinal Diseases - veterinary
Male
Turtles
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Summary:Leatherback sea turtles are globally distributed and endangered throughout their range. There are limited data available on disease in this species. Initial observations of solitary large intestinal diverticulitis in multiple leatherbacks led to a multi-institutional review of cases. Of 31 subadult and adult turtles for which complete records were available, all had a single exudate-filled diverticulum, as large as 9.0 cm in diameter, arising from the large intestine immediately distal to the ileocecal junction. All lesions were chronic and characterized by ongoing inflammation, numerous intralesional bacteria, marked attenuation of the muscularis, ulceration, and secondary mucosal changes. In three cases, Morganella morganii was isolated from lesions. Diverticulitis was unrelated to the cause of death in all cases, although risk of perforation and other complications are possible.
ISSN:0300-9858
1544-2217
DOI:10.1177/0300985814549211