Abstract
AimThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and effects on acid-base and electrolyte status of several crystalloid fluids in 57 stranded juvenile loggerhead turtles.MethodsWithin a rehabilitation program four different crystalloid fluids were administered (0.9% Na Cl solution; 5% dextrose + 0.9% Na Cl solutions 1:1; 0.9% Na Cl + lactated Ringer's solutions 1:1; lactated Ringer's solution). Crystalloid fluids were intracoelomically administered during three days (20 ml/kg/day). Animals were sampled at three different moments: Upon admission for evaluating the type of acid-base or biochemical disorder, post-fluid therapy treatment for controlling the evolution of the disorder, and post-recovery period for obtaining the baseline values for rehabilitated loggerhead turtles. Each sample was analyzed with a portable electronic blood analyzer for pH, pO2, pCO2, lactate, sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, and BUN concentration. Admission and post-fluid therapy treatment values were compared with those obtained for each turtle immediately before release.ResultsThe highest percentage of acid-base recovery and electrolyte balance was observed in turtles treated with mixed saline-lactated Ringer’s solution (63.6%), followed by turtles treated with physiological saline solution (55%), lactated Ringer’s solution (33.3%), and dextrose-saline solutions (10%). Most turtles treated with lactated Ringer’s solution had lower lactate concentrations compared with their initial values; however, 66.6% of turtles treated with lactated Ringer’s solution had metabolic alkalosis after therapy. Significant higher concentrations of glucose were detected after saline-dextrose administration compared with all the remaining fluids.ConclusionsThis is the first study evaluating the effects of several crystalloid fluids on the acid-base status and plasma biochemical values in stranded loggerhead sea turtles. Reference convalescent venous blood gas, acid-base, and plasma biochemical values, useful for veterinary surgeons involved in sea turtle conservation, are also provided.
Highlights
Seven species of sea turtles are currently recognized, all of which are included on the Red List of the World Conservation Union [1]
Crystalloid Fluid Therapy in Sea Turtles. This is the first study evaluating the effects of several crystalloid fluids on the acid-base status and plasma biochemical values in stranded loggerhead sea turtles
Reference convalescent venous blood gas, acid-base, and plasma biochemical values, useful for veterinary surgeons involved in sea turtle conservation, are provided
Summary
Seven species of sea turtles are currently recognized, all of which are included on the Red List of the World Conservation Union [1]. Many veterinary surgeons are currently involved in sea turtle conservation in wildlife rehabilitation hospitals around the world. Clinical and pathological studies contribute to a better understanding of problems in stranded sea turtles and provide a basis to guide conservation efforts [3]. Dehydration, disturbances of acid-base homeostasis, and electrolyte imbalances are common in stranded sea turtles [3,4,5,6,7]. Variations of venous blood gas, acid-base, plasma biochemical and hematologic parameters of stranded loggerhead turtles according to the cause of stranding or disease have been reported [3,8]. No specific studies of fluid therapy in sea turtles have been reported
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