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Veterinary Sciences
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Advances in Sea Turtle Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation
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Advances in Sea Turtle Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 18620

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Antonio Di Bello

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Guest Editor
Section of Surgery and Sea Turtle Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
Interests: diagnostic imaging; small animal surgery; sea turtle medicine and surgery; wild animal medicine and surgery
Dr. Delia Franchini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Section of Surgery and Sea Turtle Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
Interests: small animal surgery; veterinary oncology; sea turtle surgery; wild animal medicine and surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Stefano Ciccarelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Section of Surgery and Sea Turtle Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
Interests: small animal surgery; veterinary oncology; sea turtle surgery; wild animal medicine and surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past 50 years, the severe anthropogenic impact on the marine environment has seriously endangered the survival of sea turtles. This has led the international scientific community to pay particular attention to the conservation of these animals, through multidisciplinary approaches that have led to a better understanding of the etiopathological processes and to significant advances in the medical management of sea turtles. Currently, many veterinarians are involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles in the many hospitals and rehabilitation centers around the world. Therefore, the knowledge and sharing of the studies carried out by researchers who deal with the health, medicine and rehabilitation of these animals is fundamental.

Sea turtles are considered among the animal species at imminent risk of extinction, due to the threats arising from human activities on the environment. For several years, the commitment of the international scientific community has been aimed at studying the causes, in order to reduce and minimize the anthropic impact that causes many deaths every year. On the other hand, the growing interest of veterinary medicine for these animals has led, in recent years, to a better knowledge of the anatomy, pathology, microbiology and parasitology of these animals and, above all, has made it possible to study in depth the most frequent etiopathogenetic events and to develop innovative diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic techniques. The purpose of this Special Issue is aimed at taking stock of innovative clinical and diagnostic procedures, current scientific results and the most recent procedures for the treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles.

In this Special Issue in Veterinary Science, we have the ambition to collect a significant number of qualified publications by researchers from various fields in veterinary science dealing with the care and conservation of sea turtles. The purpose of this Special Issue has as its main objectives:

  • New frontiers in the field of the anatomy and physiology of sea turtles;
  • Clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques;
  • Pathology, parasitology, microbiology and infectious diseases;
  • Pharmacology and toxicology;
  • Surgical and medical techniques;
  • Clinical rehabilitation techniques;
  • Supporting care.

This Issue aims to publish original full articles, reviews or case reports that explore our understanding of sea turtles.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Di Bello
Dr. Delia Franchini
Dr. Stefano Ciccarelli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • sea turtle
  • diagnostic imaging
  • surgery
  • pathology
  • microbiology
  • parasitology
  • care and rehabilitation

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 8659 KiB  
Article
Esophago-Gastric Tube (EG Tube) in Debilitated Sea Turtle Rehabilitation: Insight in 195 Loggerheads Caretta caretta, Southern Italy
by Antonio Di Bello, Delia Franchini, Stefano Ciccarelli, Daniela Freggi, Francesco Caprio, Pasquale Salvemini and Carmela Valastro
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11010035 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1994
Abstract
Efficient nutritional support plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of sea turtles, ensuring a positive, swift, and successful recovery from clinical conditions for their reintroduction into the wild. For sea turtles in severely emaciated and underweight condition, the primary objective is to [...] Read more.
Efficient nutritional support plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of sea turtles, ensuring a positive, swift, and successful recovery from clinical conditions for their reintroduction into the wild. For sea turtles in severely emaciated and underweight condition, the primary objective is to facilitate weight gain in terms of both muscle mass and fat reserves. Traditionally, many sea turtle rehabilitators have employed the practice of force-feeding, which also involves the daily insertion of an orogastric tube from the mouth to the stomach. However, this technique may be highly stressful for the animals, carrying the risks of regurgitation and potential harm, requiring the removal of the animal from the water, and subjecting it to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous handling. The procedure may also involve risks for operators. In this study, we explore the utilization of a permanent esophago-gastric tube (EG tube) in sea turtles as an alternative to force-feeding, providing a respectful and appropriate approach to meeting the nutritional needs of patients. The administration of food, essential medications, and fluids is performed directly with the turtle in its tank, minimizing the stress associated with handling, while ensuring the safety of operators. The study involves 195 marine turtles that underwent surgery for the placement of a permanent EG tube between 2008 and 2022. Of these, 116 animals were treated at the Sea Turtle Clinic of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Bari, South Adriatic Sea, Puglia (IT), and 79 patients were admitted to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center of Lampedusa, Central Mediterranean Sea, Sicily (IT). The loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) required EG tube placement due to their poor condition related to various diseases, which were systematically categorized. The duration of EG tube placement was analyzed regarding the specific condition of the animals and the nature of their injuries, considering any complications or differences between the two facilities. The results of the study will provide valuable information for the ongoing care and treatment of marine turtles in rehabilitation facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sea Turtle Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation)
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14 pages, 3486 KiB  
Article
Electroretinography, Ocular Ultrasonography, and Phacoemulsification of Bilateral Cataracts in Two Juvenile Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) of the Mediterranean Region
by Andrea Affuso, Barbara Lamagna, Dario Costanza, Dario Basso, Marzia Scarfò, Cristina Di Palma, Claudia Amalfitano, Leonardo Meomartino, Fulvio Maffucci, Sandra Hochscheid and Maria Vanore
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(7), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070474 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Bilateral cataracts were diagnosed in two rescued juvenile, immature loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), weighing 1.65 and 1.7 kg. Both animals showed vision impairment and difficulty in feeding without assistance. In fact, they did not notice the presence of the food [...] Read more.
Bilateral cataracts were diagnosed in two rescued juvenile, immature loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), weighing 1.65 and 1.7 kg. Both animals showed vision impairment and difficulty in feeding without assistance. In fact, they did not notice the presence of the food in the tank unless it was brought close to touching the mouth. Ocular ultrasonography and electroretinography showed no lesions of the vitreal body and retinal layer, therefore, both animals were candidates for bilateral cataract surgery. Topical administration of tropicamide + phenylephrine alternating with rocuronium resulted in only minimal mydriasis. Administration of intracameral rocuronium did not improve mydriasis. Phacoemulsification using a one-handed technique was performed bilaterally with a phacoemulsification device (Sovereign, AMO (Abbott Medical Optics®). After surgery, the systemic anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg, IM daily for one week) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg IM q 72 h, for 4 weeks; ceftazidime 20 mg/kg IM q 72 h for 3 weeks) were administered. Topical ofloxacin, flurbiprofen and tobramycin/dexamethasone were instilled TID for 4 weeks. Both turtles regained vision in both eyes. Results at a 10-month follow-up were satisfactory. This is the first report of cataracts in turtles rescued in the Mediterranean Sea and the first description of surgical treatment of cataracts in loggerhead turtles so young. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sea Turtle Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation)
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12 pages, 2465 KiB  
Article
Balaenophilus manatorum in Debilitated and Bycatch-Derived Loggerhead Sea Turtles Caretta caretta from Northwestern Adriatic Sea
by Erica Marchiori, Andrea Gustinelli, Viola Vignali, Sara Segati, Simone D’Acunto, Silvia Brandi, José Luìs Crespo-Picazo and Federica Marcer
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(7), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070427 - 1 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2701
Abstract
Balenophilus manatorum (Copepoda: Harpaticoida) is one of the few components of the epibiontic fauna of Caretta caretta that show a “true” parasitic association with their host. From rrosive to ulcerative cutaneous lesions may seldom appear as a consequence of the copepod feeding on [...] Read more.
Balenophilus manatorum (Copepoda: Harpaticoida) is one of the few components of the epibiontic fauna of Caretta caretta that show a “true” parasitic association with their host. From rrosive to ulcerative cutaneous lesions may seldom appear as a consequence of the copepod feeding on keratin on turtles’ skin. Debilitating Turtle Syndrome (DTS) is the final outcome of a chronic insufficient assumption of nutrients, generally occurring with the impairment of immune functions and high epibiota burdens. In this survey, the presence of B. manatorum in C. caretta from the Northwestern Adriatic Sea was investigated and the relation between infection indices and the co-occurrence of DTS was studied. Clinical examination was performed at the time of rescue, including routine hematological assessment; external parasites were isolated mechanically from turtles’ skin and morphologically identified through observation with an optic microscope and SEM. Ten turtles were classified as affected by DTS, all of them being small juveniles with typical clinical and clinicopathological presentation. A higher prevalence, abundance, and density of infection were found in turtles affected by the syndrome. The presence of massive skin coverage by the burrowing barnacle Pletylepas hexastylos prevented a proper evaluation of the pathology associated with B. manatorum in turtles affected by DTS. In any event, eventual skin damages caused by the parasite may represent a port of entry for secondary infections in such immunocompromised animals. Therefore, infection by B. manatorum should not go overlooked in debilitated turtles and should be opportunely treated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sea Turtle Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation)
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12 pages, 2165 KiB  
Article
Green Turtle Fibropapillomatosis: Tumor Morphology and Growth Rate in a Rehabilitation Setting
by Costanza Manes, Richard M. Herren, Annie Page, Faith D. Dunlap, Christopher A. Skibicki, Devon R. Rollinson Ramia, Jessica A. Farrell, Ilaria Capua, Raymond R. Carthy and David J. Duffy
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(7), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070421 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2210
Abstract
Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a neoplastic disease most often found in green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Afflicted turtles are burdened with potentially debilitating tumors concentrated externally on the soft tissues, plastron, and eyes and internally on the lungs, kidneys, and the heart. Clinical [...] Read more.
Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a neoplastic disease most often found in green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Afflicted turtles are burdened with potentially debilitating tumors concentrated externally on the soft tissues, plastron, and eyes and internally on the lungs, kidneys, and the heart. Clinical signs occur at various levels, ranging from mild disease to severe debilitation. Tumors can both progress and regress in affected turtles, with outcomes ranging from death due to the disease to complete regression. Since its official description in the scientific literature in 1938, tumor growth rates have been rarely documented. In addition, FP tumors come in two very different morphologies; yet, to our knowledge, there have been no quantified differences in growth rates between tumor types. FP tumors are often rugose in texture, with a polypoid to papillomatous morphology, and may or may not be pedunculated. In other cases, tumors are smooth, with a skin-like surface texture and little to no papillose structures. In our study, we assessed growth-rate differences between rugose and smooth tumor morphologies in a rehabilitation setting. We measured average biweekly tumor growth over time in green turtles undergoing rehabilitation at the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory Sea Turtle Hospital in St. Augustine, Florida, and compared growth between rugose and smooth tumors. Our results demonstrate that both rugose and smooth tumors follow a similar active growth progression pattern, but rugose tumors grew at significantly faster rates (p = 0.013) than smooth ones. We also documented regression across several examined tumors, ranging from −0.19% up to −10.8% average biweekly negative growth. Our study offers a first-ever assessment of differential growth between tumor morphologies and an additional diagnostic feature that may lead to a more comprehensive understanding and treatment of the disease. We support the importance of tumor morphological categorization (rugose versus smooth) being documented in future FP hospital- and field-based health assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sea Turtle Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation)
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Review

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19 pages, 800 KiB  
Review
Bacterial Infections in Sea Turtles
by Valentina Virginia Ebani
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(5), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050333 - 6 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6157
Abstract
Sea turtles are important for the maintenance of marine and beach ecosystems, but they are seriously endangered due to factors mainly related to human activities and climate change such as pollution, temperature increase, and predation. Infectious and parasitic diseases may contribute to reducing [...] Read more.
Sea turtles are important for the maintenance of marine and beach ecosystems, but they are seriously endangered due to factors mainly related to human activities and climate change such as pollution, temperature increase, and predation. Infectious and parasitic diseases may contribute to reducing the number of sea turtles. Bacteria are widespread in marine environments and, depending on the species, may act as primary or opportunistic pathogens. Most of them are able to infect other animal species, including humans, in which they can cause mild or severe diseases. Therefore, direct or indirect contact of humans with sea turtles, their products, and environment where they live represent a One Health threat. Chlamydiae, Mycobacteria, and Salmonellae are known zoonotic agents able to cause mild or severe diseases in sea turtles, other animals, and humans. However, other bacteria that are potentially zoonotic, including those that are antimicrobially resistant, are involved in different pathologies of marine turtles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sea Turtle Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation)
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Other

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11 pages, 3843 KiB  
Case Report
Loggerhead Sea Turtle as Possible Source of Transmission for Zoonotic Listeriosis in the Marine Environment
by Silva Rubini, Matilde Baruffaldi, Roberta Taddei, Giulia D’Annunzio, Erika Scaltriti, Martina Tambassi, Ilaria Menozzi, Giulia Bondesan, Sandro Mazzariol, Cinzia Centelleghe, Giorgia Corazzola, Federica Savini, Valentina Indio, Andrea Serraino and Federica Giacometti
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(5), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050344 - 11 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2242
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous pathogen isolated from different host species including fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, but it is rarely a pathogenic microorganism to marine reptiles. In particular, only two cases of fatal disseminated listeriosis have been described in the loggerhead sea turtle [...] Read more.
Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous pathogen isolated from different host species including fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, but it is rarely a pathogenic microorganism to marine reptiles. In particular, only two cases of fatal disseminated listeriosis have been described in the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). In this study, we describe a lethal case of L. monocytogenes infection in a loggerhead sea turtle. The turtle was found alive, stranded on a beach in North-eastern Italy, but perished soon after being rescued. The autoptic examination revealed that heart, lung, liver, spleen, and urinary bladder were disseminated with multiple, firm, 0.1–0.5 mm sized, nodular, white-green lesions. Microscopically, these lesions corresponded with heterophilic granulomas with Gram+ bacteria within the necrotic center. Furthermore, the Ziehl–Neelsen stain was negative for acid-fast organisms. Colonies isolated from heart and liver were tested through MALDI-TOF for species identification, revealing the presence of L. monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing on L. monocytogenes isolates was performed and the subsequent in silico genotyping revealed the belonging to Sequence Type 6 (ST 6); the virulence profile was evaluated, showing the presence of pathogenicity islands commonly observed in ST 6. Our results further confirm that L. monocytogenes should be posed in differential diagnosis in case of nodular lesions of loggerhead sea turtles; thus, given the zoonotic potential of the microorganism, animals should be treated with particular caution. In addition, wildlife animals can play an active role as carriers of possibly pathogenetic and virulent strains and contribute to the distribution of L. monocytogenes in the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sea Turtle Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation)
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