Gastro-Duodenal Perforations and Coelomitis in a Group of Juvenile Spiny Softshell Turtles (Apalone spinifera)

Abstract

Abstract A recovery plan was developed for the threatened spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) population in the province of Quebec, which included the implementation of a head-start program with the objective of increasing juvenile survival over the first winter. High mortality rates were observed during the first two years of the program (2014: 22.5% [7/31], 2015: 55.0% [22/40]). Mortalities for both years were associated with an unusually high occurrence of coelomitis consecutive to a confirmed (N = 11) or suspected (N = 4) gastro-duodenal perforation. Microscopically, the coelomitis consisted of serosal mesothesial cell hypertrophy, fibrinous to granulomatous inflammation, visceral adhesions, as well as the presence of bacterial colonies and alimentary particles. Marked dilation of the gastrointestinal tract associated with abundant food material, suggestive of a digestive impaction/ileus, was frequently observed with the coelomitis cases. During the second year of the program, the increase in t...