Experimentally Induced Selenosis in Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles ( Trachemys scripta scripta)

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Herpetology
• Veterinary pathology

Background:

• Selenosis, or selenium toxicosis, is a condition caused by excessive selenium intake, often through plants, affecting wildlife and livestock.
• While slider turtles are known to accumulate selenium, the specific effects of selenium exposure on these reptiles remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the histopathologic effects of experimental selenium exposure on yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta).

Main Methods:

• Experimental administration of selenomethionine to yellow-bellied sliders.
• Histopathologic examination of kidney and claw tissues from exposed turtles.

Main Results:

• Significant microscopic changes were observed in the kidneys, including acute tubular degeneration and regeneration, with hyaline droplets in high-dose groups.
• Claw tissues exhibited epidermal hyperplasia, disorganization, intercellular edema, ulceration, and exudate accumulation.
• Observed histopathologic changes in turtles resembled those previously reported in birds exposed to selenium.

Conclusions:

• Experimental selenium exposure induces significant kidney and claw histopathologic abnormalities in yellow-bellied sliders.
• These findings suggest potential risks for wild turtle populations exposed to high environmental selenium levels.
• Further research is needed to confirm if similar abnormalities occur in wild slider turtles with comparable selenium burdens.