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Suspected Oak, Quercus, Toxicity in an African Spurred Tortoise, Geochelone sulcata
J Herpe Med Surg 13[3]:20-21 Fall'03 Case Report 10 Refs

* David S. Rotstein, DVM, MPVM, DACVP, Gregory A. Lewbart, MS, VMD, DACZM, Kristen Hobbie, DVM, Jennifer Kishimori, DVM, Cecil Brownie, DVM, PhD
* Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

A captive-raised, 4-year-old male African spurred tortoise, Geochelone sulcata, was maintained in an indoor/outdoor enclosure and was found dead after a two-day history of polyuria. Gross necropsy revealed severe oral mucosal and esophageal ulceration and an intestinal tract diffusely packed with oak leaves. Histologically, there was fibrinonecrotic stomatitis, glossitis, segmental enteritis, necrotizing splenitis, multifocal intravascular thrombosis, and renal tubular nephrosis. The oral ulceration and renal tubular nephrosis were attributed to tannin toxicity. Tannic acid concentration in the stomach contents was 80ppm. Disseminated thrombosis may have been the result of uremia or a direct effect of the tannin toxins. Veterinarians and animal caregivers should be aware of and advise owners to the potential for oak toxicity in tortoises with access to oak leaves. [Abstract]


Address (URL): http://www.arav.org/journals/JA021167.htm


J Herpe Med Surg Fall'03 Vol. 13 No. 3

Comparison of Biochemical Profile Values from Paired Plasma and Serum Samples of Green Iguanas, Iguana iguana, and Red-Tailed Boa Constrictors, Boa constrictor
Use of Human Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in a Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas
A Novel Herpesvirus Associated with Hepatic Necrosis in a San Esteban Chuckwalla, Sauromalus varius
Suspected Oak, Quercus, Toxicity in an African Spurred Tortoise, Geochelone sulcata
Electrocardiographic Parameters in the Gomeran Giant Lizard, Gallotia bravoana
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Sonographic Determination of Pregnancy in Amazon Tree Boas, Corallus hortulanus
Biology, Husbandry, and Medicine of the Green Iguana
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