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Published on: May 18, 2019
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Solitary Large Intestinal Diverticulitis in Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)
B A Stacy1, C J Innis2, P-Y Daoust3
1National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources and University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA Brian.Stacy@noaa.gov.
Veterinary Pathology
|September 21, 2014
Summary
Large intestinal diverticulitis, an inflammation of pouches in the gut, was observed in endangered leatherback sea turtles. This condition, characterized by bacterial infection and inflammation, appears unrelated to mortality but poses potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Marine Biology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are globally distributed and endangered.
- Limited data exists on diseases affecting this species.
- Initial observations noted solitary large intestinal diverticulitis in multiple leatherbacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of large intestinal diverticulitis in leatherback sea turtles.
- To analyze pathological findings associated with this condition.
Main Methods:
- A multi-institutional review of cases involving leatherback sea turtles with large intestinal diverticulitis.
- Analysis of complete medical records for 31 subadult and adult turtles.
- Histopathological examination of lesions and bacterial isolation.
Main Results:
- All 31 turtles presented with a single, large (up to 9.0 cm diameter), exudate-filled diverticulum in the large intestine.
- Lesions were chronic, showing inflammation, bacterial presence, muscularis attenuation, and ulceration.
- Morganella morganii was isolated in three cases.
- Diverticulitis was not the cause of death in any reviewed case.
Conclusions:
- Large intestinal diverticulitis is a distinct pathological finding in leatherback sea turtles.
- While not directly causing death, the condition carries risks of perforation and other complications.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology and long-term impact of diverticulitis in this endangered species.
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