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The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. II
size, age, and sex (if known). The presenting problem is the abnormality that was
observed. For example, the turtle may have a wound or a lump, have fishing line
trailing from its cloaca, appear lethargic, or have a buoyancy problem. History refers
to all the background information about the individual and how it was encountered.
How many other turtles were affected out of those that were examined? Is this an
ongoing problem within the population, and if so, for how long? If the turtle has
been previously observed or has been recaptured, when was it last observed to be
apparently normal? Has this individual had any other problems in the past? For
population events, are other species affected concurrently in a similar way? Is there
a known or recognized environmental event associated with the problem, such as a
cold front or the opening of shrimp trawling season?
Knowledge of the timing between the environmental event and the stranding
event or discovery of the presenting problem can help guide interpretation. For
example, during a cold-stunning event, mass stranding and death of apparently
healthy animals will occur and examinations and tests may show few abnormalities.
Several weeks following such an event, however, stranding turtles may be ill and
have a high prevalence of fungal pneumonias (George, 1997), and diagnostic tests
may show numerous abnormalities (Carminati et al., 1994; Walsh, 1999). A similar
mass stranding mortality event in summer might coincide with a toxic algal bloom
or increased aerial spraying of pesticides.
15.3.3.2 Physical Examination (External)
As discussed under Section 15.3.1, careful observation, precise description, and
documentation are essential. Even if such an assessment was performed in the field,
this should be repeated by the health professional involved in the investigation upon
presentation and periodically during the course of the study if the animal remains
alive, to monitor for changes and identify new problems. If the turtle is alive, its
attitude and behavior in and out of the water should be evaluated. Body condition
(body weight versus size) provides clues about how long the animal has been ill. A
turtle in good body condition probably is acutely ill or died acutely. Emaciated
turtles have been chronically sick or are starving. For dead turtles, the physical exam
is extended to include a complete gross necropsy (Jacobson, 1999). Any person
involved in performing necropsies of sea turtles should gain basic training in turtle
anatomy. The Anatomy of Sea Turtles (Wyneken, 2001) provides an excellent reference resource for this purpose.
15.3.3.3 Preliminary Screening Tests
These tests may include those that could routinely be performed in the field as part
of a health assessment program. However, any screening tests that were performed
in the field should be repeated in the clinic. Screening tests that should always be
performed as part of the preliminary diagnostic workup include plasma biochemistry,
hematology and differential white cell counts, survey radiographs, and fecal analysis.
Preliminary assessments of these screening tests provide some indication of the
organ systems that may be involved, and may identify problems such as ingested
fish hooks and internal masses.
1123 book.book Page 402 Monday, November 11, 2002 11:11 AM
The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. II
size, age, and sex (if known). The presenting problem is the abnormality that was
observed. For example, the turtle may have a wound or a lump, have fishing line
trailing from its cloaca, appear lethargic, or have a buoyancy problem. History refers
to all the background information about the individual and how it was encountered.
How many other turtles were affected out of those that were examined? Is this an
ongoing problem within the population, and if so, for how long? If the turtle has
been previously observed or has been recaptured, when was it last observed to be
apparently normal? Has this individual had any other problems in the past? For
population events, are other species affected concurrently in a similar way? Is there
a known or recognized environmental event associated with the problem, such as a
cold front or the opening of shrimp trawling season?
Knowledge of the timing between the environmental event and the stranding
event or discovery of the presenting problem can help guide interpretation. For
example, during a cold-stunning event, mass stranding and death of apparently
healthy animals will occur and examinations and tests may show few abnormalities.
Several weeks following such an event, however, stranding turtles may be ill and
have a high prevalence of fungal pneumonias (George, 1997), and diagnostic tests
may show numerous abnormalities (Carminati et al., 1994; Walsh, 1999). A similar
mass stranding mortality event in summer might coincide with a toxic algal bloom
or increased aerial spraying of pesticides.
15.3.3.2 Physical Examination (External)
As discussed under Section 15.3.1, careful observation, precise description, and
documentation are essential. Even if such an assessment was performed in the field,
this should be repeated by the health professional involved in the investigation upon
presentation and periodically during the course of the study if the animal remains
alive, to monitor for changes and identify new problems. If the turtle is alive, its
attitude and behavior in and out of the water should be evaluated. Body condition
(body weight versus size) provides clues about how long the animal has been ill. A
turtle in good body condition probably is acutely ill or died acutely. Emaciated
turtles have been chronically sick or are starving. For dead turtles, the physical exam
is extended to include a complete gross necropsy (Jacobson, 1999). Any person
involved in performing necropsies of sea turtles should gain basic training in turtle
anatomy. The Anatomy of Sea Turtles (Wyneken, 2001) provides an excellent reference resource for this purpose.
15.3.3.3 Preliminary Screening Tests
These tests may include those that could routinely be performed in the field as part
of a health assessment program. However, any screening tests that were performed
in the field should be repeated in the clinic. Screening tests that should always be
performed as part of the preliminary diagnostic workup include plasma biochemistry,
hematology and differential white cell counts, survey radiographs, and fecal analysis.
Preliminary assessments of these screening tests provide some indication of the
organ systems that may be involved, and may identify problems such as ingested
fish hooks and internal masses.
1123 book.book Page 402 Monday, November 11, 2002 11:11 AM