Endoscopic Hepatic Biopsy in Coahuilan Box Turtles, Terrapene coahuila
J Herpe Med Surg 11[2]:28-29 Summer'01 Clinical Techniques 8 Refs

Endoscopic procedures are becoming standard diagnostic tools for reptile practitioners. However, endoscopic examinations in chelonia have been only briefly reported in the literature. Turtles and tortoises are ideal candidates for endoscopic examination of the coelomic cavity. A Coahuilan box turtle, Terrapene coahuila, from a breeding group at the San Antonio Zoo was found dead. Post-mortem examination of this turtle revealed mycobacterial hepatitis. Coelomic cavity endoscopic exams were then performed on the rest of the breeding group. Hepatic biopsies from all turtles were performed. [Abstract]