A four-year-old, female bearded dragon was presented after a two-day history of lethargy and inappetence. On physical examination, the patient was quiet, alert and responsive, with pale mucous membranes and coelomic distention. She presented with severe anemia (PCV of 3%) and hypoproteinemia (TS of 30g/L). Full body radiographs revealed decreased coelomic detail, suggestive of coelomic effusion. Due to the life-threatening anemia, a whole blood transfusion (WBT) was performed using a bearded dragon (donor A). On day two, coelomic ultrasound revealed a large volume of effusion and numerous follicles. Coelomic fluid cytology was consistent with acute hemorrhage and egg-yolk coelomitis. On day three, two allogeneic WBT, each from a different donor animal (donors B and C) were administrated via an intraosseous catheter. The PCV/TS increased to 8% and 38g/L respectively. On day five the PCV/TS further decreased to 7% and 28g/L. Due to the suspicion of active hemorrhage, an exploratory coeliotomy was elected. An intra-operative WBT (from donor B) was administrated. The source of hemorrhage was found to originate from the left ovarian pedicle at its attachment to the renal vessel. A final WBT was administrated post-operatively (from donor A). On day six, the PCV/TS had increased to 17% and 30g/L. Three weeks later, the patient was bright alert and responsive and the PCV/TS had risen to 30% and 52g/L. This is the first report describing the successful administration of five WBT from several different donors over a short period of time in a bearded dragon with hemocoelom and marked anemia.

An 8-yr-old male bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) presented with lethargy, inappetence, and skin discoloration. Dorsoventral whole body radiographs revealed a homogenous left coelomic mass. A complete blood count revealed leukocytosis and monocytosis, while the plasma biochemistry revealed hypercalcemia, elevated lactate, and elevated creatinine. Coelomic ultrasonography was performed to further characterize the mass before surgical exploration and removal. Ultrasonography revealed a hyperechoic mass that was vascular with a hypoechoic, avascular center consistent with fluid accumulation. An exploratory coeliotomy was performed and the left fat body containing the mass was removed en bloc for histopathologic evaluation. Oil Red O staining confirmed a diagnosis of liposarcoma. Continued decline after discharge prompted a decision to euthanize the patient. Unfortunately, a necropsy was not elected.

A prospective study was performed in twelve green iguanas ( Iguana iguana ) to compare the radiographic appearance of coelomic viscera between five projection angles. Five radiographic views of the coelom were obtained: dorsoventral (DV), right lateral vertical beam (RVB), left lateral vertical beam (LVB), right lateral horizontal beam (RHB) and left lateral horizontal beam (LHB) projections. One week later, the same radiographic projections were obtained following oral administration of barium. In four of the 12 iguanas, an additional vertical beam ventrodorsal (VD) view was obtained. In comparing lateral projections, lung, liver and gonads were best imaged in horizontal beam (HB) lateral projections, prior to distention of the stomach with barium while the gastrointestinal tract including the colon was best visualized in VB lateral projections. The shape and size of the cardiac silhouette was considered equivalent between analogous lateral projections in most iguanas (10/12). In comparing VD and DV projections, the VD projection improved visibility of the cardiac silhouette and lung in 4/4 iguanas (100%), while reducing cardiac length. DV were preferred for the evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract. This study demonstrates that radiographic beam orientation and patient position result in obvious radiographic differences of the iguanid coelom and that projections are not interchangeable.

Reproductive disorders in female tortoises are common and well documented and often require surgical access to the coelomic cavity to diagnose and correct. Coelioscopic-assisted bilateral ovariectomy (8/8, 100%) and hemiovariosalpingectomy (1/8, 12.5%) were performed in eight, presumed-healthy Mojave Desert tortoises ( Gopherus agassizii ) maintained at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bilateral ovariectomy was successfully conducted in all animals through a unilateral (3/8, 37.5%) or bilateral (5/8, 62.5%) prefemoral approach. Hemisalpingectomy was also performed in one tortoise (1/8, 12.5%). Significant abnormalities were observed during coelioscopy in 6/8 (75%) tortoises including ectopic and free-floating follicles, yolk coelomitis, liver disease, and oviduct and ovarian adhesions. Although non-endoscopic bilateral ovariectomy and ovariosalpingectomy have been described, they are not able to clearly visualize internal structures or pathology. Results of the eight surgeries described in this study suggest that coelioscopic-assisted ovariectomy and ovariosalpingectomy are practical and safe methods for sterilization of Mojave Desert tortoises. The magnification and optimal visualization provided by coelioscopy were considered critical for success.

ABSTRACT In 2004, a subset of a translocated population of gopher tortoises ( n = 14; Gopherus polyphemus ) were captured to determine the overall health of individuals and to investigate the prevalence of selected pathogens. Additionally, ultrasonography and endoscopic visualization of the reproductive tract were compared as methodologies to accurately determine sex and reproductive status. Tortoises were premedicated with butorphanol and induced with propofol. The hematology and biochemical profile values obtained were within the reference ranges previously reported for gopher tortoises. Tortoises were parasitized with Alaeuris spp. of pinworms and trichostrongyles. Ten of the tortoises (71%) were also parasitized by hemogregarines. None of the animals had clinical signs indicative of acute upper respiratory disease (URTD); however, six animals had signs consistent with previous upper respiratory infections. One tortoise had an antibody titer against Mycoplasma agassizii , considered to be positive, while an additional five animals had antibody titers considered to be “suspect.” We failed to detect Mycoplasma sp., Salmonella sp., or Chlamydophila sp. DNA from any of the animals. In general, morphometric characteristics reliably predicted the correct sex in the majority of animals that were >15 yr of age. When compared to endoscopy, ultrasound examination of the gonads was accurate for sex determination in 57% of the tortoises examined and was 86% accurate in animals >15 yr of age. Ultimately, endoscopy provided the most accurate method for determining sex in chelonians, particularly in juveniles or during nonreproductive seasons.