Ceroidosis of Snapping Turtles—I

Abstract

Ceroidosis occured in snapping turtle(Trionyx sinensis)fed on rotten silk-warm pupae and fish meat continuously in Oita in summer, 1975. They showed the dark-yellowish coloration of the adipose tissue all over the body.Six diseased turtles were examined histopathologically and histochemically.In the adipose tissue of the mild cases, angitis and necrosis of a part of fat cells around the inflammed capillaries were observed.Lipopigment, indentified as ceroid, was deposited inside each necrotized fat cells.In the adipose tissue of the advanced cases, angitis and necrosis of fat cells around the inflammed vessels, ceroid accumulation inside and among each necrotized fat cells were found in more extensive areas and in larger quantities. A great number of macrophages were present around the inflammed vessels and most of them devoured ceroid.It seems that the dark-yellowish coloration of the adipose tissue is due to above-mentioned changes.A small number of ceroid-laden macrophages appeared in all the visceral organs. Degenerating striated muscle fibers appeared in the extensive muscula tures.The authors consider that above-mentioned changes closely resemble the yellow fat disease in mammals and aves.