Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles
Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles is a specialized branch of veterinary medicine focusing on the health, disease management, and surgical intervention in chelonians, which include tortoises and aquatic or semi-aquatic turtles. These reptiles present unique challenges due to their distinct anatomy, physiology, and environmental needs.
Medical care in these species includes the diagnosis and treatment of common ailments such as respiratory infections, shell injuries, metabolic bone disease, parasitic infestations, and nutritional deficiencies. Preventative care—like proper diet, UVB lighting, habitat hygiene, and regular health monitoring—is crucial to avoiding many chronic conditions.
Surgical procedures in tortoises and turtles require specialized techniques due to their protective shells and slower metabolism. Common surgeries may include shell repair, abscess removal, reproductive interventions (e.g., egg binding treatment), and internal procedures such as endoscopy or gastrointestinal surgery. Anesthesia and post-operative care demand careful consideration due to the chelonians’ slow recovery rates and temperature sensitivity.
Successful medicine and surgery in these species require an in-depth understanding of reptile biology, advanced diagnostic tools, and tailored approaches to husbandry and treatment. Veterinarians working with tortoises and turtles must be adept in reptile-specific care to ensure the best outcomes for these fascinating and often long-lived animals.
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