title: A cystic calculus from a wild western spiny softshell turtle (Apalone [Trionyx] spiniferus hartwegi).
abstract: During a postmortem examination of a western spiny softshell turtle (Apalone [Trionyx] spiniferus hartwegi), a calculus (24 x 21 x 12-mm) with a dry weight of approximately 5 g was discovered in the urinary bladder. Chemically, the calculus was a mixture of apatite (basic calcium phosphate), struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate), and unidentifiable crystals. This is the first report of a cystic calculus in a wild chelonian.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4467, USA.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: McKown
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001031:Apatites / Q000032:analysis; D001344:Autopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D017616:Magnesium Compounds / Q000032:analysis; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis; D000069877:Struvite; D014426:Turtles; D001744:Urinary Bladder Calculi / Q000737:chemistry / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D001031:Apatites; D017616:Magnesium Compounds; D010710:Phosphates; D000069877:Struvite