Intestinal Volvulus And Stricture Associated With A Leiomyoma In A Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas )

• Published in: Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine 2000-06, Vol.31 (2), p.221-227
• Main Authors: Helmick, KE, Avery Bennett, R, Ginn, P, DiMarco, N, Beaver, D P, Dennis, P M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chelonia mydas; Marine
• ISSN: 1042-7260
• DOI: 10.1043/1042-7260(2000)031(0221:IVASAW)2.0.CO;2

A previously stranded 30-kg female green turtle (Chelonia mydas ) was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida following a 2-mo history of anorexia, intermittent regurgitation, decreased fecal production, and positive buoyancy of the right side. Radiographs confirmed gaseous distension of bowel loops suggestive of intestinal obstruction. The coelom was surgically approached through a plastron osteotomy, and a 540 degree volvulus of the small intestine was identified and derotated. An intestinal stricture was present at the site of the volvulus, and segments of bowel orad to the stricture were greatly distended. Following resection of abnormal bowel, the osteotomy was stabilized using self-tapping screws and figure-eight wire, and the defect was sealed with fiberglass cloth and fast-drying epoxy resin. A leiomyoma associated with the focal stricture was identified by histology. Appetite and defecation returned to normal. Six months after surgery, the turtle had regained normal buoyancy and showed no further clinical signs of gastrointestinal obstruction.