| Autor: |
Affuso A; Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy., Lamagna B; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples 'Federico II', 80137 Napoli, Italy., Costanza D; Interdepartmental Center of Veterinary Radiology, University of Naples 'Federico II', 80137 Naples, Italy., Basso D; Veterinary Clinic Lucrino, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy., Scarfò M; Plaisant S.r.l., Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Roma, Italy., Di Palma C; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples 'Federico II', 80137 Napoli, Italy., Amalfitano C; Veterinary Clinic Salus Vet, 80129 Napoli, Italy., Meomartino L; Interdepartmental Center of Veterinary Radiology, University of Naples 'Federico II', 80137 Naples, Italy., Maffucci F; Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy., Hochscheid S; Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy., Vanore M; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC H3C 3J7, Canada. |
| Abstrakt: |
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. |
