400
The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. II
More elaborate and specialized tests can be performed on fresh or frozen blood
plasma and cells, but whether to incorporate these into an assessment program would
depend on the specific goals of the study, costs, and feasibility.
15.3.2.6 Biopsy
In many cases, histological evaluation of a biopsy is the only way to distinguish
various lesions. A biopsy may be especially important for sporadic or rare cases that
are unlikely to be seen again. For example, the first suspected cases of FP in a
population or species might provide compelling reason to collect a biopsy. Under
routine field conditions, some cutaneous lesions can be safely biopsied for histological evaluation. One should obtain some rudimentary training and be prepared to
attempt this procedure if it becomes necessary. A few small containers of 10%
buffered formalin, disinfectant (povidone iodine), and sterile biopsy packs containing
scalpel blades, forceps, and scissors should be kept on hand. Biopsies involving
tissues that have higher risk of permanent damage (such as eyes, cloaca, or glottis)
or deeper tissues should be attempted only by those with more specialized training
and experience. A guide for performing biopsies and necropsies has been published
(Jacobson, 1999) and is available on line at www.vetmed.ufl.edu/sacs/wildlife/seaturtletechniques.
15.3.2.7 Imaging
Techniques such as radiology, ultrasound, and laparoscopic imaging have been
adapted to field use and have been most commonly used to evaluate reproductive
status of turtles (Owens, 1999; Wibbels, 1999). With training and experience in
recognizing normal anatomic structures, these techniques can certainly be adapted
to evaluate other organ systems. For example, investigators who use laparoscopy to
visualize the ovaries and ovary ducts of turtles could begin to examine the kidneys
and intestinal surface for cysts, masses, adhesions, and perforations. It is unlikely,
however, that these techniques would be routinely incorporated into field studies
solely to evaluate health, because of the expense and expertise needed.
15.3.3 S YSTEMATIC A PPROACH TO D ISEASE I NVESTIGATIONS
Disease investigation in sea turtles, whether sporadic (individual) or mass-event
(population), and whether among captive or free-ranging animals, uses a basic
approach that is used in all medical investigation, and constitutes a major component
of the practice of veterinary medicine. Consequently, medical professionals, specifically veterinarians with training and experience in wildlife, reptile, and marine turtle
medicine, should be involved in this process because they are trained in the art and
science of diagnosis. An overview of the approach is presented so that nonmedical
professionals can gain a perspective about the process. As illustrated in Figure 15.1,
the approach is an iterative process that involves description and prioritization of
problems, diagnostic planning (selection of tests), assessment, and integration of
results, so that at each level, the pathologic processes are better characterized and
possible alternative explanations are eliminated until a diagnosis is reached.
1123 book.book Page 400 Monday, November 11, 2002 11:11 AM
The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. II
More elaborate and specialized tests can be performed on fresh or frozen blood
plasma and cells, but whether to incorporate these into an assessment program would
depend on the specific goals of the study, costs, and feasibility.
15.3.2.6 Biopsy
In many cases, histological evaluation of a biopsy is the only way to distinguish
various lesions. A biopsy may be especially important for sporadic or rare cases that
are unlikely to be seen again. For example, the first suspected cases of FP in a
population or species might provide compelling reason to collect a biopsy. Under
routine field conditions, some cutaneous lesions can be safely biopsied for histological evaluation. One should obtain some rudimentary training and be prepared to
attempt this procedure if it becomes necessary. A few small containers of 10%
buffered formalin, disinfectant (povidone iodine), and sterile biopsy packs containing
scalpel blades, forceps, and scissors should be kept on hand. Biopsies involving
tissues that have higher risk of permanent damage (such as eyes, cloaca, or glottis)
or deeper tissues should be attempted only by those with more specialized training
and experience. A guide for performing biopsies and necropsies has been published
(Jacobson, 1999) and is available on line at www.vetmed.ufl.edu/sacs/wildlife/seaturtletechniques.
15.3.2.7 Imaging
Techniques such as radiology, ultrasound, and laparoscopic imaging have been
adapted to field use and have been most commonly used to evaluate reproductive
status of turtles (Owens, 1999; Wibbels, 1999). With training and experience in
recognizing normal anatomic structures, these techniques can certainly be adapted
to evaluate other organ systems. For example, investigators who use laparoscopy to
visualize the ovaries and ovary ducts of turtles could begin to examine the kidneys
and intestinal surface for cysts, masses, adhesions, and perforations. It is unlikely,
however, that these techniques would be routinely incorporated into field studies
solely to evaluate health, because of the expense and expertise needed.
15.3.3 S YSTEMATIC A PPROACH TO D ISEASE I NVESTIGATIONS
Disease investigation in sea turtles, whether sporadic (individual) or mass-event
(population), and whether among captive or free-ranging animals, uses a basic
approach that is used in all medical investigation, and constitutes a major component
of the practice of veterinary medicine. Consequently, medical professionals, specifically veterinarians with training and experience in wildlife, reptile, and marine turtle
medicine, should be involved in this process because they are trained in the art and
science of diagnosis. An overview of the approach is presented so that nonmedical
professionals can gain a perspective about the process. As illustrated in Figure 15.1,
the approach is an iterative process that involves description and prioritization of
problems, diagnostic planning (selection of tests), assessment, and integration of
results, so that at each level, the pathologic processes are better characterized and
possible alternative explanations are eliminated until a diagnosis is reached.
1123 book.book Page 400 Monday, November 11, 2002 11:11 AM