Successful plastron osteotomy surgery in a Parker’s black turtle (Melonochelys trijuga parkeri)

Abstract

This context describes the surgical procedure of removing a fishing hook lodged in the gastrointestinal tract of a Parker’s Black Turtle (PBT) (Melonochelys trijuga parkeri). A PBT weighing 1 Kg was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, after being caught on a fishing line. Plain radiographs revealed a radiopaque foreign body (fishing hook) lodged halfway in the gastro-intestinal tract. Thus, plastron osteotomy technique was suggested to remove the object. Pre-surgically normal saline (0.9%) was given subcutaneously (SC), for two days. Sedation and anesthesia was achieved using Midazolam (2 mg/Kg) and Ketamin Hydrochloride (30 mg/Kg) given intramuscularly (IM). After disinfection with 70% Isopropyl alchohol, a square-shaped transection was made on the plastron using a surgical bone cutter. A wedge-shaped bone flap was cut and reflected to a side. The coelomic membrane was incised along the midline. Intestines were exteriorized and the obstruction was localized. A longitudinal incision placed in the intestines enabled the removal of the fishing hook together with the line. Intestinal wall and coelomic membrane were sutured with absorbable suture material. The cut bone flap was replaced to close the plastron. A water sealant gum was applied along the cut edges to create a tight seal. Then a thin layer of plaster of paris was applied and covered with adhesive plaster. Postoperatively, the antibiotic Enrofloxacin was given (5 mg/Kg), once every three days for two weeks, and the analgesic Ketoprofen (2 mg/Kg) at a similar time interval. After recovery, dry and dirt-free bedding was provided. Food or water was substituted with normal saline given SC twice daily for three days post-surgery. The turtle recovered successfully and was able to drink and feed without complications on the fifth-day post-surgery. Thus the surgery was a success.