Use of Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Panophthalmitis in a Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)

Abstract

Abstract A 605 g, mature, male tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) was presented with periorbital swelling, exophthalmos, and hyphema of the right eye. Ultrasound examination showed distortion of the globe, an altered lens contour, heterogeneous vitreous content, and a loss of ocular and retrobulbar tissue planes. Computed tomography demonstrated displacement of the scleral ossicles but an absence of orbital bone lesions. A decision was made to enucleate the right eye. The tuatara was premedicated with medetomidine (0.06 mg/kg) and morphine (1 mg/kg). Intravenous alfaxalone (5 mg/kg) was administered to facilitate intubation. Maintenance anesthesia was achieved using 1–2% sevoflurane. Perioperative support included intraosseous 0.45% saline with 2% dextrose (combined 50% each) at 10 ml/kg/h and thermal support via a forced-air blanket. Transpalpebral enucleation of the right eye was performed and the excised tissue submitted for histopathologic evaluation. Postoperative analgesia was provided using morphine (1 ...