Aural Abscesses Research Articles

Epidemiologic Determinants of Aural Abscessation in Free-Living Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina) in Virginia

Epidemiologic determinants of 46 cases of aural abscessation in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina) admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia (Virginia, USA) from 1991 to 2000 were evaluated. County human population density, year and season of admission, weight, and sex did not affect the risk for box turtles to develop aural abscessation. Counties with cases of aural abscessation were not randomly distributed, but rather were clustered into two multi-county regions. Geographic location was the only risk factor associated with aural abscessation in box turtles found in this study. Possible etiologies could include chronic infectious disease, malnutrition, or chronic exposure to environmental contamination with organochlorine compounds.

Aural Abscesses in Wild Eastern Box Turtles, Terrapene Carolina Carolina, from North Carolina: Aerobic Bacterial Isolates and Distribution of Lesions

ABSTRACT Aural abscesses are a common clinical finding in wild eastern box turtles, Terrapene Carolina Carolina. This study, utilizing current and retrospective data, was initiated to characterize this disease syndrome further. Thirty free ranging eastern box turtles were admitted over a four-year period to the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine's (NCSU-CVM's) Turtle Rescue Team for aural abscesses. These patients presented for either unilateral or bilateral swelling of the tympanic membrane. Overall body condition ranged from poor to excellent. Bony changes resulting from the aural swelling were seen grossly and radiographically in some turtles. Cultures revealed multiple microbial agents and the isolates varied between turtles. In general, the isolates were Gram-negative opportunistic bacteria. Of the twehty-three cultures obtained, the most commonly isolated organisms were Proteus vulgaris (5), Escherichia coli (5) and Aeromonas hydrophila (5). Sensitivity results showed res...

Morbidity and mortality of reptiles admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, 1991 to 2000.

Medical records from 694 reptiles admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV; Waynesboro, Virginia, USA) from 1991 to 2000 were reviewed to determine causes of morbidity and mortality. Eighteen species were represented but the majority of cases were four species; eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) (66%), eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) (11%), common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) (10%), and rat snake (Elaphe sp.) (6%). There was a significant increase in reptile cases during the study period both in absolute number and in proportion to the total caseload. Trauma (74%) was the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality followed by unknown or undetermined (13%), aural abscessation (7%), infectious diseases (2%), and one nutritional disorder (0.1%). In addition, 3% of the cases were healthy animals that had been removed from the wild and consequently brought to the WCV. Causes of morbidity and mortality differed between the four most numerous species. Impact with a motor vehicle was the most frequent cause of trauma for eastern box turtles, eastern painted turtles, and common snapping turtles; however, garden-equipment-related trauma was the most frequent cause for rat snakes. Aural abscessation was only seen in eastern box turtles. Eighty percent of cases occurred between May and September and 65% occurred within the five counties closest to the WCV. The majority of morbidity and mortality was the result of human activities. The expanding human population in Virginia likely will continue to have an impact on the health of wild reptiles.

Aural Abscesses in Wild-Caught Box Turtles (Terapene carolina): Possible Role of Organochlorine-Induced Hypovitaminosis A

Wild-caught box turtles (Terapene carolina carolina) with aural abscesses were observed over a period of several years. Histopathologic evaluation of epithelial tissues (conjunctiva, pharynx, trachea, auditory tube) revealed mucosal hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, and accumulated keratin-like material in the middle ear cavity. These manifestations suggested the possibility of vitamin A deficiency. A nonsignificant trend toward reduced serum and hepatic vitamin A levels was observed in turtles with abscesses (mean serum and hepatic vitamin A levels 71 and 49% of respective levels in turtles without abscesses). Three organochlorine (OC) compounds (α-benzene hexachloride, heptachlor epoxide, and oxychlordane) and total (μg/g) OC compounds were significantly higher in turtles with abscesses compared with turtles without abscesses. No OC compounds were higher in turtles without abscesses compared with turtles with abscesses. These data suggest a possible effect of environmental chemicals on metabolism or utilization of vitamin A in wild box turtles, resulting in hypovitaminosis A.

Early detection of tubercular otitis media: A clinicopathological study

Four out of 80 cases admitted for ear surgery had tubercular otitis media. Associated pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis cervical lymphadenitis were present in one case only. Rest three cases had primary tuberculosis of ear. All the four cases were diagnosed by histopathology. Radical mastoidectomy followd by antitubercular treatment was given in all the four cases. Post aural abscess and facial paralysis were present only in one case.In three months follow up, all the four cases had dry ear, facial paralysis recovered but hearing did not improve as tympanoplasty was not attempted in any case. There was no further deterioration of hearing after surgery in any case.