Abstract
ABSTRACT A captive-raised, 4-year-old male African spurred tortoise, Geochelone sulcata, was maintained in an indoor/outdoor enclosure and was found dead after a two-day history of polyuria. Gross necropsy revealed severe oral mucosal and esophageal ulceration and an intestinal tract diffusely packed with oak leaves. Histologically, there was fibrinonecrotic stomatitis, glossitis, segmental enteritis, necrotizing splenitis, multifocal intravascular thrombosis, and renal tubular nephrosis. The oral ulceration and renal tubular nephrosis were attributed to tannin toxicity. Tannic acid concentration in the stomach contents was 80ppm. Disseminated thrombosis may have been the result of uremia or a direct effect of the tannin toxins. Veterinarians and animal caregivers should be aware of and advise owners to the potential for oak toxicity in tortoises with access to oak leaves.
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