{"topic_id":"evidence_exotic_turtle_nutrition","category":"evidence","context":"---\ntopic_id: evidence_exotic_turtle_nutrition\ncategory: evidence\ntitle: \"Evidence cluster — Pet turtle (chelonian) nutrition (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)\"\nlang: en\nsource: \"Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search, first-hand peer-reviewed abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01\"\nsource_file: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_turtle_nutrition_2026-08-01.txt\ndate_parsed: 2026-08-01\ntokens_estimated: 4671\nverification:\n method: substring_match\n claims: 12\n passed: 12\n date: 2026-08-01\nsource_document: \"Peer-reviewed Pet turtle nutrition literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)\"\ncitation:\n authority: \"Europe PMC\"\n title: \"Evidence cluster — Pet turtle (chelonian) nutrition (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)\"\n url: \"https://www.ebi.ac.uk/europepmc/\"\n retrieved: \"2026-08-01\"\n doc_type: \"first-hand abstracts (Europe PMC REST)\"\n needs_review: false\n---\n\n# Evidence: Pet turtle (chelonian) nutrition\n\nSource: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01.\nQueries covered nutrient requirements, diet formulation, supplementation and deficiency for chelonian.\nThe cluster returns **12** representative nutrition studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.\n\n## Studies\n- **PMID 41681364 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI)** — Effects of Different Substrates on Growth, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Behavioral Characteristics of Juvenile Asian Giant Softshell Turtles, <i>Pelochelys cantorii</i>.. Abstract (opening): The critically endangered Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) is a national first-class protected aquatic animal in China, and artificial breeding is vital for its conservation. Given the pivotal role of substrate in captive rearing, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different substrate types on the growth, serum biochemistry, and behavior of juvenile P. cantorii. A total of 45 8-month-old juveniles [(121.11 ± 0.65) g] were randomly allocated to three groups (fine sand [FS], pea gravel [PG], and no substrate [NS]) for an 18-day rearing trial. Results indicated that the FS and PG groups exhibited significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rates than the NS group (p < 0.01). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower in the FS and PG groups than in the NS group (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between FS and PG. Notably, three individuals in the NS group exhibited symptoms of skin ulceration. No significant intergroup differences were observed in glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), or cortisol (CORT) levels (p > 0.05). Behaviorally, the FS group demonstrated the highest hidden rest frequency and duration (p < 0.01) and significantly lower active avoidance behavior compared to PG and NS (p < 0.01). In conclusion, substrate type significantly influences captive juvenile P. cantorii, with fine sand being optimal as it enhances growth, alleviates oxidative stress, and reduces maladaptive behaviors.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41681364/\n- **PMID 40872722 (2025, Veterinary sciences)** — Human-Chelonian Bond in Italy: An Exploratory Study of Pet Turtle and Tortoise Ownership.. Abstract (opening): The adoption of exotic animals as pets is increasing across Europe. This study explores the human-chelonian relationship in the Italian population, specifically the motivations for acquiring reptiles as pets and the nature of the emotional bonds between guardians and chelonians. A total of 91 chelonian guardians replied to an online survey. Data was analyzed through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Most participants (85.7%) owned Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni), having received them as gifts (50.5%) or purchased them (31.9%). Pet chelonians living outdoors had an almost five times higher odds of being reported as non-family members compared to those with indoor access (OR = 4.90, 95% CI = 1.34-23.41, p = 0.02). No significant relationship was detected between other demographic factors and bond type. When asked whether they consider their pet a family member, 70 out of 91 participants reported information for both their reptile and dog/cat. Among these, pets were seen as family members for 44.3% of chelonians and 92.4% of dogs/cats. In turn, qualitative responses from 85 participants showed that 45% expressed a strong emotional connection to their pet chelonians, using language denoting affection, love, and fascination. These findings suggest that, while emotional bonds between guardians and chelonians may be less interactive and intimate than those with conventional pets, they nonetheless reflect a meaningful bond rooted in personal values of entertainment, convenience, and duty of care.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40872722/\n- **PMID 40499570 (2025, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association)** — Placement of a radiopaque polyurethane esophagostomy tube in a yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) using MILA's tunneler device.. Abstract (opening): Objective
To describe placement of a radiopaque polyurethane esophagostomy tube in a tortoise using MILA's tunneler device.Animals
A 20-year-old 4.235-kg spayed female yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) was presented for egg coelomitis and feeding tube placement.Methods
A polyurethane esophagostomy tube (18 French; MILA International Inc) was advanced orally into the stomach. The small end of a tunneler device (MILA International Inc) was placed into the oral cavity and advanced into the midcervical esophagus. The tube exiting the mouth was attached to the opposite end of the tunneler. An incision was made into the left lateral cervical skin and underlying esophagus, allowing the tunneler and tube to be pulled through the incision until the tube was lying linearly. Radiographs confirmed appropriate placement, and the tube was sutured in place and flushed with water to ensure patency.Results
The esophagostomy tube was successfully placed and utilized to provide nutrition for 42 days following treatment.Clinical relevance
Benefits of the MILA esophagostomy tube system in chelonians include the use of polyurethane tubes and the tunneler device. MILA's polyurethane tubes are preferred because of their radiopaque stripe, large luminal diameter, increased flexibility, and long-term biocompatibility, decreasing the risk of placement errors and esophageal injury. The increased length and small diameter of the tunneler device (compared to a Carmalt) allow for ease of placement with chelonian anatomy. These qualities may mitigate commonly observed risks to chelonians such as displacement and obstruction of esophagostomy tubes, gastrointestinal perforation, hemorrhage, and tube site infections.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40499570/\n- **PMID 41057604 (2025, Scientific reports)** — Growth period of Kinosternon scorpioides changes the ovary morphology by follicular differentiation and structural reorganization.. Abstract (opening): Knowledge of gonadal morphophysiology is essential for implementing techniques that can improve reproduction, production, and conservation. This study described the ovarian morphology and oocyte maturation of Kinosternon scorpioides during three growth stages: hatchlings, juveniles, and adults. Ovaries from 20 females were analyzed across these stages. The ovarian follicles were classified into four stages: hatchlings, juveniles and adults. The ovarian follicles were classified into four stages: stage I, characterized by the presence of the granulosa layer; stage II, which showed vesicles in the cytoplasm, in addition to the zona pellucida; stage III, where yolk platelets were observed at the periphery of the oocyte; and stage IV, in which the quantity of yolk platelets increased. In hatchlings, small follicles, covered by a flattened layer of follicular cells (stage I), as well as oogonia, were observed. In juveniles, pre-vitellogenic follicles (stages I and II) were identified, suggesting the onset of puberty, alongside the presence of oogonia. In adult females, larger follicles (stages III and IV) were found, containing yolk, oogonia, corpus luteum, and evidence of follicular atresia. This study revealed distinct morphological and functional changes from hatchlings to adults, with follicular maturation involving significant alterations in structures related to nutrition, protection, and steroidogenesis. These findings provide valuable insights into reproductive mechanisms, supporting improved management strategies and conservation efforts for this species.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41057604/\n- **PMID 40362091 (2025, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI)** — Disorders of the Female Reproductive Tract in Chelonians: A Review.. Abstract (opening): Understanding reproductive biology and associated disorders is crucial for the clinical management of chelonians, particularly those maintained in captivity. This literature review presents an overview of the main pathological conditions affecting the female reproductive tract of these animals. For each condition, practical and effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are detailed. Commonly observed disorders include dystocia, ectopic eggs, follicular stasis, infertility, oophoritis, salpingitis, cloacitis, cloacal or oviductal prolapse, neoplasms, and ovarian torsion. The fundamental approach to these conditions always involves a thorough clinical examination, which requires extensive knowledge of the species, a clinical history, and management practices. Diagnostic procedures include physical exams, imaging techniques (ultrasound, radiography, CT, endoscopy), and surgical interventions. A shared feature of many pathologies is the influence of management errors and the presence of non-specific clinical signs.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40362091/\n- **PMID 41600686 (2025, Veterinary sciences)** — Biochemical and Hepatic Determinants of Reproductive Failure in Reptiles: A Review of Dystocia Pathophysiology and Management.. Abstract (opening): Dystocia represents a multifactorial and clinically significant reproductive disorder affecting a broad spectrum of reptilian species. Commonly resulting from prolonged vitellogenesis, endocrine disruption, or hepatic lipidosis, dystocia is often exacerbated by suboptimal husbandry or concurrent disease. This review critically evaluates the etiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic interventions associated with this condition. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between metabolic exhaustion and hepatic compromise, which may lower the threshold for surgical intervention. The efficacy and limitations of oxytocin-based protocols are discussed in the context of hormonal receptor variability and response attenuation. Advanced diagnostic modalities, including ultrasonography, radiography/CT, and biochemical profiling, are reviewed for their utility in case stratification. Finally, surgical management options are considered for cases refractory to medical treatment, with attention paid to timing, anesthetic risk, and post-operative care. Collectively, this synthesis aims to inform evidence-based clinical decision-making and promote improved standards of care in reptile reproductive medicine.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41600686/\n- **PMID 41180164 (2025, Animal welfare (South Mimms, England))** — Laying the groundwork for reptile welfare assessment in zoos and private keeping: A literature-based proposal.. Abstract (opening): With the increasing number and diversity of reptile species kept in zoological facilities and households, their welfare in captivity warrants structured and consistent evaluation. However, focused research on reptile welfare remains limited within the broader field of animal welfare science. Recognising such a gap, this study adopts an evidence-informed approach to review existing literature and proposes two conceptual welfare assessment frameworks - one for zoo settings and another for private keeping. We first identify the intended audiences for each framework and discuss common challenges reptile caretakers may face when conducting welfare assessments in different contexts. The frameworks are grounded in established principles from the Five Domains model and the European Welfare Quality® protocol, incorporating both resource- and animal-based indicators under the domains of Environment, Nutrition, Physical Health, and Behaviour. The design rationale is also explained to support future refinement. Finally, these conceptual frameworks are intended as a foundation for the development and validation of adaptable tools, capable of guiding improved husbandry practices and resource allocation for better welfare outcomes across a broad range of reptile taxa.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41180164/\n- **PMID 41241723 (2025, BMC veterinary research)** — Veterinary medicine in reintroduction and reinforcement of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis: a review.. Abstract (opening): The European pond turtle Emys orbicularis is among the most endangered reptile species in Europe, facing severe population decline due to habitat loss and environmental degradation. Conservation efforts increasingly rely on translocation-based strategies, including species reintroduction and reinforcement. Veterinary medicine plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and survival of captive-bred and translocated individuals, yet standardized health assessment protocols remain scarce. This review based on 418 publications synthesizes current veterinary practices related to freshwater turtle conservation, focusing on health monitoring before, during, and after translocation. We evaluate key medical concerns across different life stages, including prevention of zootechnical issues, pathogen screening, microbiome health, and adaptation challenges in captive and wild populations. Additionally, we propose standardized health assessment guidelines to improve diagnostic accuracy and long-term monitoring, and provide a global overview of the common health issues as well as normal blood reference values. By fostering transdisciplinary collaboration between veterinarians, researchers and conservationists, this study aims to refine best practices and ensure sustainable, evidence-based conservation efforts for E. orbicularis and other freshwater turtle species.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41241723/\n- **PMID 39974156 (2025, Frontiers in veterinary science)** — Partial unilateral ovarian torsion in a red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans).. Abstract (opening): Follicular torsion occurs when only a group of ovarian follicles rotates around its own axis resulting in vascular compromise. To our knowledge, no previous reports have documented the occurrence of this condition in chelonians. A 14-year-old female Trachemys scripta was presented with inappetence and lethargy for approximately 2 weeks. Diagnostic tests, including complete blood work, radiography, and ultrasound, were performed. Radiographs showed no pathological changes, while blood tests showed mild heterophilia. Ultrasound revealed multiple, round, heterogeneous hyperechoic follicles and free anechoic fluid in the coelom. The color flow examination through the right pre-femoral fossa revealed the absence of blood flow in a group of follicles. A total body CT scan highlighted several rounded formations, four of which contained disomogeneus areas. Fluid with an air-fluid level and gas-filled areas were also noted in the coelomic cavity. A diagnosis of preovulatory follicular stasis and coelomitis was made, and a bilateral ovariosalpingectomy was performed endoscopically via the right prefemoral fossa after 24 h stabilization. There was a 360° torsion in a group of follicles, which appeared dark and had an increased consistency compared to adjacent follicles. Adhesions between the pathological follicles and surrounding tissue were observed. Bacteriological analysis of the coelomic fluid revealed the presence of Klebsiella spp. Histopathological examination of both ovaries showed coagulative necrosis, hemorrhage, congestion, and vascular thrombosis, along with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Post-surgical treatment with marbofloxacin and meloxicam resulted in significant clinical improvement. The animal was discharged 15 days after surgery, with a normal appetite.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39974156/\n- **PMID 38170193 (2024, Microbial genomics)** — Emergence and genomic characteristics of multi-drug-resistant <i>Salmonella</i> in pet turtles and children with diarrhoea.. Abstract (opening): Pet turtles are a well-recognized source of human salmonellosis, posing a threat to human health, particularly children who commonly keep pet turtles. To date, the genomic characteristics of Salmonella among pet turtles and children has not been well described. We investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and genomic characteristics of Salmonella from pet turtles in Beijing, China. In total, 9.6 % (46/480) of pet turtles were positive for Salmonella with S. Thompson being the dominant serovar (19/46) in 2019. Moreover, 80.4 % of Salmonella were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and 60.7 % were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides and tetracycline (ASSuT). We further compared the genomes of S. Thompson isolates from pet turtles (n=19) with those from children with diarrhoea (n=28) in the same region and year, most of which were sequence type (ST)26, with one novel ST7937 identified from a child-associated isolate. S. Thompson isolates from children with diarrhoea exhibited less resistance than isolates from pet turtles. Most MDR isolates possessed multiple AMR genes, including the AmpC β-lactamase-encoding genes bla DHA-15 and bla DHA-1 which co-occurred with the IncA/C and IncHI plasmid replicon types. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the bla DHA-15 gene has been detected from Salmonella. Several pet turtle-associated S. Thompson isolates comprised phylogenetically close clusters with those from children with diarrhoea (<20 SNP differences). Bayesian analysis demonstrated that the Chinese ST26 S. Thompson strains had a recent evolutionary history and evolved into two major clades, with one clade acquiring various resistant plasmids. Our findings revealed the emergence of MDR Salmonella among pet turtles in China and provided evidence for the interspecies transmission of S. Thompson.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38170193/\n- **PMID 38270159 (2024, Emerging infectious diseases)** — Salmonella Vitkin Outbreak Associated with Bearded Dragons, Canada and United States, 2020-2022.. Abstract (opening): We identified 2 cases of Salmonella enterica serovar Vitkin infection linked by whole-genome sequencing in infants in Ontario, Canada, during 2022. Both households of the infants reported having bearded dragons as pets. The outbreak strain was also isolated from an environmental sample collected from a patient's bearded dragon enclosure. Twelve cases were detected in the United States, and onset dates occurred during March 2021-September 2022 (isolates related to isolates from Canada within 0-9 allele differences by core-genome multilocus sequence typing). Most US patients (66.7%) were <1 year of age, and most (72.7%) had reported bearded dragon exposure. Hospitalization was reported for 5 (38.5%) of 13 patients. Traceback of bearded dragons identified at least 1 potential common supplier in Southeast Asia. Sharing rare serovar information and whole-genome sequencing data between Canada and the United States can assist in timely identification of outbreaks, including those that might not be detected through routine surveillance.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38270159/\n- **PMID 39138824 (2024, Current microbiology)** — Infant Botulism: In Search of Clostridium botulinum Spores.. Abstract (opening): Infant botulism is now the most common form of human botulism in Canada and the United States. Infant botulism is a severe neuroparalytic disease caused by ingestion of the spore-forming neurotoxic clostridia, including Clostridium botulinum that colonize the large intestine and subsequently produce botulinum neurotoxin in situ. It has been over a century since the first surveys documenting the ubiquitous prevalence of C. botulinum in soils around the world. Since then, honey has been identified as the only well-known risk factor for infant botulism despite a multitude of international environmental surveys isolating C. botulinum spores from ground soil, aquatic sediments, and commonly available infant foods. Associations of infant botulism cases with confirmed sources of C. botulinum exposure have primarily implicated outdoor soil and indoor dust, as well as commonly ingested foods including honey, dry cereals, and even powdered infant formula. Yet the origin of infection remains unknown for most infant botulism cases. This review summarizes the various surveys from around the world for C. botulinum in environmental soils and sediments, honey, and other infant foods, as well as laboratory-confirmed associations with documented infant botulism cases. Additional factors are also discussed, including the composition of infant gut microbiota and the practice of breastfeeding. We make several recommendations to better identify sources of exposure to C. botulinum spores that could lead to effective preventive measures and help reduce the incidence of this rare but life-threatening disease.\n Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39138824/\n\nSource text: `pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_turtle_nutrition_2026-08-01.txt` (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).\n","sources":["Europe PMC — Evidence cluster — Pet turtle (chelonian) nutrition (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC) (retrieved 2026-08-01)"],"source":{"authority":"Europe PMC","title":"Evidence cluster — Pet turtle (chelonian) nutrition (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41681364/","retrieved":"2026-08-01","ref":"PMID 41681364","doc_type":"official PDF","source_document":"Peer-reviewed Pet turtle nutrition literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)","verification_file":"pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_turtle_nutrition_2026-08-01.txt"},"source_document":"Peer-reviewed Pet turtle nutrition literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)","source_file":"pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_turtle_nutrition_2026-08-01.txt","tokens_estimated":600,"generated_at":null,"tip":"Use /api/v1/topics to discover more topics. /api/v1/nutrient for precise single-point queries. /api/v1/cross_compare for 2-3 standard comparisons."}