Evidence: Pet turtle (chelonian) clinical cases
Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered clinical case reports and case series for chelonian. The cluster returns 12 representative clinical cases with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each case is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 41568116 (2026, Journal of rural medicine : JRM) — Pediatric <i>Salmonella</i> Poona gastroenteritis with bacteremia linked to exposure to a pet turtle: a case report.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Objective</h4><i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. enterica serovar Poona (<i>S</i>. Poona) is a zoonotic pathogen commonly associated with reptiles, particularly turtles. We report a pediatric case of S. Poona bacteremia in which a pet turtle was microbiologically confirmed as the source of infection.<h4>Patients</h4>A 17-month-old Asian girl with fever and transient diarrhea was hospitalized. The patient had direct contact with the family's pet turtle shortly before symptom onset. The turtle's tank was routinely cleaned in the household kitchen sink.<h4>Results</h4>S. Poona was isolated from the patient's blood and stool, as well as from swabs taken from the turtle's limbs, shell, and feces. Macrorestriction analysis revealed that the isolates from the patient and the turtle shared identical genomic fragment patterns, indicating transmission through direct contact or environmental contamination. The patient made a full recovery following a 14-day course of intravenous cefotaxime and ampicillin.<h4>Conclusion</h4>To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in Japan of <i>S.</i> Poona infection with microbiological confirmation of the source animal. This case highlights the importance of strict hygiene practices when handling reptiles and cleaning their habitats, particularly in homes with young children or other vulnerable individuals.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568116/
- PMID 41953693 (2026, Case reports in infectious diseases) — Myocarditis Following Invasive Group A <i>Streptococcus</i> Infection: Important Differential Diagnostic Distinctions.. Abstract (opening): Nonrheumatic streptococcal pharyngitis-associated myocarditis presents as acute myocarditis within days of Group A <i>Streptococcus</i> pharyngitis, typically resolving with antibiotics and minimal sequelae. It is thought to result from direct bacterial toxin injury rather than autoimmunity. Little epidemiologic data regarding its incidence and prevalence exist, and standardized diagnostic criteria are lacking. In contrast, acute rheumatic fever develops 2-4 weeks after a Group A <i>Streptococcus</i> pharyngitis and is autoimmune-mediated. Diagnosis is based on the revised Jones criteria, and only carditis leads to sequelae, including rheumatic heart disease. We report the case of a 21-year-old male, in a high-resource setting, with invasive Group A <i>Streptococcus</i> who developed carditis with mitral regurgitation and heart failure, for which nonrheumatic streptococcal pharyngitis-associated myocarditis and acute rheumatic fever with carditis were considered. This case highlights the need for clinical differentiation between, and further study of, both entities.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41953693/
- PMID 41320252 (2026, The Journal of veterinary medical science) — A case of calculus in a male African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata).. Abstract (opening): Urinary calculus is common but often unnoticed condition in African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) until severe, challenging early detection and etiology. This case uniquely features detailed, prolonged home care by the owner-veterinarian. A 13-year-old male presented with obstipation due to a 10-cm urolith. Home management stabilized him for surgical removal via cystotomy. Postoperatively, the patient developed chronic hyperuricemia and gout, leading to progressive emaciation and death two years later. Autopsy revealed systemic articular and visceral gout, severe chronic cystitis, and renal fibrosis. This case underscores calculi grow massive before detection, often with patient deterioration. This detailed report, including comprehensive autopsy findings, provides novel longitudinal data the crucial role of appropriate supportive care in stabilizing the patient for surgical intervention following the detection of massive urolithiasis, while also linking between successful surgical removal and the subsequent development of systemic gout, emphasizing the critical need for long-term therapeutic monitoring of uric acid metabolism in chelonians post-urolith removal for all stakeholders involved in the care of this species.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41320252/
- PMID 42008424 (2026, PloS one) — Which turtle should I study? Uneven distribution of research effort across Testudines species.. Abstract (opening): Understanding why some species are more often studied than others can provide valuable information on potential biases that research effort discrepancies can cause and help to direct future research to mitigate these biases. Turtles form an order of reptiles in which the majority of species (67%) are threatened with extinction, but they show high variation in the amount of research devoted to each species. We aimed to quantify this variation across all recognized extant species, and to decipher how the distribution of this research effort varied according to species taxonomy, phylogeny, distribution, ecology, life history and extinction risk. Using the number of references listed on the Web of Science for each species as a proxy for species research effort, we first show that this index is both robust to variation in search methods within WoS, and consistent with an index extracted from another online library (Scopus). The number of articles per species varied substantially, with 3441 articles for the green sea turtle alone, but only 475 total articles for all 50% least studied species taken together. This heterogeneity was consistent across time since the 1970s. Phylogenetic non-independence explained 66% of the variance in research effort (vs 58% for taxonomy). In addition, marine species, a group that only includes seven species, were particularly highly studied: five of the eight most studied Testudines are marine turtles. In contrast, freshwater and terrestrial species shared similar research effort values. Species occurring in Europe and North America were also more studied than species from, e.g., Central America or Africa, as were species that occur in the most scientifically active countries. In addition, species with a larger distribution range or introduced outside of their native range, as well as species with certain life history characteristics like larger clutches, smaller eggs or a longer longevity were more frequently investigated. In contrast, population trend and extinction risk did not predict research effort, although species that have not been assessed by the IUCN were characterized by a low research effort. This study underlines the importance of accounting for the heterogeneity in research effort across turtle species in global analyses and helps to identify taxa, regions, and life history strategies that should be the focus of more research.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42008424/
- PMID 40470286 (2025, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Case Report: Oral fecal microbiota transplantation in a Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (<i>Testudo graeca</i>) suffering from chronic gastrointestinal disease-procedure, clinical outcome and follow-up.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Introduction</h4>Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the process of transferring fecal microbiota from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient. Although many mechanisms of FMT are still not completely understood at present, it has been described that the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases in different species, including humans, is significantly improved by FMT therapy. Since the first report on FMT therapy in veterinary medicine in small mammals numerous cases have been reported, but little information has been published on the therapeutic effects of FMT treatment in reptiles. The present case report describes the effects of orally administered fecal microbiota transplantation in a Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (<i>Testudo graeca</i>) suffering from chronic gastrointestinal disorders.<h4>Case presentation</h4>A nine-year-old, 330 g, intact female Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (<i>Testudo graeca</i>) from the animal owner's own offspring was presented for consultation due to decreased general condition, anorexia and sialorrhea following oral intake of a lettuce species (<i>Lactuca virosa</i>) known for its poisonous plant ingredients (sesquiterpene lactones) 3 weeks prior to presentation. Pre-existing conditions were not reported. Clinical examination revealed sialorrhea and a reduced general condition. Diagnostic procedures included blood chemistry, radiography and ultrasonography. Despite repeated treatment attempts with various medical regimes over 158 days, the tortoise continued showing variable recurring gastrointestinal symptoms. An orally administered FMT was initiated and continued for a total of 3 weeks. Gastrointestinal signs improved rapidly within 1 week and resolved completely after 3 weeks. Over a follow up period of 9 months, no symptom recurrence or adverse effects were monitored.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This case report describes the first successful trial of fecal microbiota transplantation in chelonians. The outcome indicates that this therapeutic approach may be beneficial not only to small animals but also for the therapy of gastrointestinal disorders in reptiles, especially those cases with insufficient conventional therapy results.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40470286/
- 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.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41600686/
- PMID 39974156 (2025, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Partial unilateral ovarian torsion in a red-eared slider turtle (<i>Trachemys scripta elegans</i>).. 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 <i>Trachemys scripta</i> 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 <i>Klebsiella</i> 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.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39974156/
- PMID 40168957 (2025, Cells, tissues, organs) — Anatomy, Histology, Aetiology, Development and Functions of Cartilago Cordis: A Systematic Review.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Introduction</h4>The cartilago cordis is a structure present within the cardiac skeleton of some, but not all, vertebrate species. This systematic review compared the presence, structure, and function of the cartilago cordis from published works covering all vertebrate species.<h4>Methods</h4>Literature searches were conducted to obtain information relating to the anatomical location, morphology, prevalence, number of structures, development, and function.<h4>Results</h4>The cartilago cordis was most commonly composed of hyaline cartilage but its location within the cardiac skeleton, anatomical, and histological structure varied between species. The cartilago cordis has not been documented in every vertebrate species, or every individual within each species, but it is present in 68 vertebrates including an amphibian, and some mammals, reptiles, and birds. The function of the cartilago cordis is unknown, but theories have ranged from an adaptive mechanism to support cardiac tissue through to roles in conduction and contraction, especially in areas of high mechanical stress. Possible links between the presence of a cartilago cordis and cardiac pathologies were also identified.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The cartilago cordis varied in prevalence, structure, and location; further research is required to understand the function and development. In addition, it is possible there are more vertebrate species containing cartilago cordis than presently known about given its varying prevalence and sometimes small size.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40168957/
- PMID 40727957 (2025, The Journal of animal ecology) — Does a lack of juveniles indicate a threat? Understanding body size distributions in a group of long-lived vertebrates.. Abstract (opening): Turtles are declining globally, and absences of juveniles during surveys are often interpreted as evidence of threats to early life stages. In Australia, for example, it is widely argued that a low number of juveniles is likely due to nest predation by introduced red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). However, small sample sizes within populations, low detectability of juveniles and turtles' long lifespans often confound the conclusion that a paucity of juveniles indicates a declining population. Because turtles have long reproductive lifespans, we might intuitively expect most turtle populations to be heavily weighted towards large individuals, but a 'typical' or 'healthy' size distribution for turtle populations has not been well established. Therefore, we collated data on 41,021 freshwater turtles from 38 species and 428 populations located in parts of Australia both with and without introduced foxes, as well as populations in the United States of America, which naturally have raccoons (Procyon lotor), foxes and other nest predators. We examined population-level body size distributions to establish a baseline for 'typical' turtle populations and test whether populations that are exposed to introduced foxes have proportionately fewer juveniles compared to both AU populations that lack introduced foxes and USA populations that are naturally exposed to nest predators. We found that most turtle populations in AU and the United States were heavily skewed towards adults and had few juveniles, regardless of the presence of foxes or other nest predators. There were, however, clear differences among population survey methods: those that target shallow areas (e.g. crawfish traps) tended to capture proportionately more juveniles, and small sample sizes (∼<50) often produced inaccurate representations of size distributions. Additionally, we used a simulation to demonstrate that, given common turtle life history parameters, even stable populations should generally have low proportions of juveniles. Based on our results, we encourage caution when interpreting turtle size distributions. A small number of juveniles does not inherently suggest that a population is declining due to high egg and/or juvenile mortality, and researchers should pay careful attention to the biases in their methods and strive to capture a minimum of 50-100 turtles before drawing inferences.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40727957/
- PMID 39927341 (2024, Open veterinary journal) — First case report of fibropapillomatosis tumor regression identified through photoidentification and histopathology in a <i>Chelonia mydas</i> in Itapirubá, Santa Catarina, Brazil.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumor disease primarily affecting juvenile sea turtles, often characterized by external growths that can regress spontaneously. This study reports the first documented case of total tumor regression in a free-living green turtle (<i>Chelonia mydas</i>) with FP in southern Brazil.<h4>Case description</h4>A juvenile green sea turtle (<i>Chelonia mydas</i>) was captured and recaptured on Itapirubá Beach, Santa Catarina, Brazil, showing signs of tumor regression with a period of 302 days between captures. At the first capture, photographs of the head and other regions were taken for photoidentification, along with documentation of fibropapilloma sites and tumor scoring. Tumor samples from the initial capture were histopathologically confirmed as fibropapillomas. At the recapture, the turtle showed a slight increase in carapace length, remaining classified as a juvenile. Tumors observed during the first capture were absent at recapture, with only scars remaining in the affected areas. Photoidentification confirmed the recapture, facilitating case monitoring. Tumor regression in this turtle is likely linked to various environmental and ecological factors.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Spontaneous regression of FP tumors remains a crucial indicator in the health monitoring of sea turtle populations. This is the first documented case of FP regression in this region of Brazil, suggesting that the turtle's increasing age and reduced exposure to anthropogenic pressure may have contributed to the tumor's regression. Although clinical follow-up of free-living sea turtles is challenging, reports of FP tumor regression are vital for understanding the health dynamics of sea turtle populations.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39927341/
- PMID 37936885 (2023, Qatar medical journal) — Injuries related to pets, exotic animals, and falconry in Qatar.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Introduction</h4>Pets and exotic animals are increasingly popular all over the world. Some of these animals may cause injuries to their owners or other people during interactions. Both injuries and systemic infections always present diagnosis and treatment challenges. Emergency physicians´ clinical experience in managing patients with injuries caused by pets and exotic animals, in particular, is limited; hence, we believe that it is a domain to explore in a Middle Eastern country to help raise awareness and provide reminders as to the best evidence-based medical practice.<h4>Methods</h4>Hamad Medical Corporation's hospital records of patients treated between 2015 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Cases whose diagnosis was recorded as injuries caused by animals kept as pets were included in the study. Patients were evaluated in terms of demographic characteristics, type of injury, injury locations, injury severity, treatments applied, and complications. Descriptive statistics were carried out, and findings were expressed as percentages in a frequency table.<h4>Results</h4>Following a search of the electronic patient records during the period of interest, 43 patients were found to have sought treatment following an injury caused by a pet or domestic exotic animal. The mean age of the patients was 23.5 years; about three-quarters were male, and approximately half were children. All injuries were minor, and 74.4% were skin abrasions. The most commonly injured body parts were the hand, the leg, and facial injuries. It was observed that cats caused 53.5% of the injuries, whereas falcons were involved in 11.6% of the cases. All patients were prescribed prophylactic antibiotics, and 60.5% were administered a tetanus injection.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Despite our study spanning over seven years, a relatively low number of patients reported to the government hospitals´ emergency departments. The injuries are most commonly caused by cats and often involve children and animal bites to hands. The key recommendations are for parents or childminders to always supervise children when interacting with animals, be particularly cautious, and wear some form of protection when handling pets and domestic, exotic animals. Whether it is a bite or a scratch, healthcare professionals should always anticipate the potential risk of infection, treat the patient accordingly, and prescribe prophylactic antibiotics.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37936885/
- PMID 38033634 (2023, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Case report: Intracoelomic neoplastic mass of undetermined origin in an Asia minor spur-thighed tortoise (<i>Testudo graeca ibera</i>).. Abstract (opening): This article describes the diagnostic, treatment and attempted characterization of a neoplasia of undetermined origin in a Asia minor spur-thighed tortoise. A 21-year-old male Asia minor spur-thighed tortoise (<i>Testudo graeca ibera</i>) was admitted for a 4-month history of diarrhea, and a 2-month history of anorexia and lethargy. Physical examination revealed a firm midcoelomic mass in the right prefemoral fossa. Blood biochemistry indicated hypocalcemia and mild elevation of aspartate aminotransferase. Supportive care was administered in the form of heating, baths, and calcium injections. Ultrasound examination of the coelomic cavity revealed a 6-cm diameter, highly vascularized mass with liver-like echogenicity. Neoplasia was suspected, and endoscopy was performed, revealing a brown circumscribed mass with smooth edges. Surgical removal of the mass was evaluated by CT scan and achieved via a plastrotomy; however, the patient died 1 day post-surgery. The mass was located on the dorsal right side of the coelomic cavity in the anatomic location of the right testicle. Histopathology revealed neoplastic cells organized in packets supported by fibrous septa. Neoplastic cells showed moderate and inconsistent positive immunohistochemical labeling for S100 and NSE, and negative immunohistochemical labeling for pan-cytokeratin, vimentin, CD3, CD79a, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin. The prominent histological and anatomical characteristics of the mass indicated a possible testicular or neuroendocrine (e.g., adrenal gland) origin. Due to inconclusive immunohistochemical profiles and poorly differentiated neoplastic cells, only a final diagnosis of intracoelomic malignant tumor of undetermined origin could be established. This case underscores the difficulties encountered in achieving definitive diagnoses of neoplastic diseases in reptile medicine.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033634/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_turtle_clinical_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).