Dystocia in an injured common eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis).
Dystocia in the class Reptilia is a common problem. In turtles, it is often difficult to distinguish between a normal gravid state and dystocia. This case report describes nonobstructive dystocia in a free-living freshwater chelonian, Chelodina longicollis, complicated by traumatic injuries to the head, bridge, and plastron. Medical treatment of the dystocia and external fixation of the facial injuries provided a successful outcome.
Johnson
Robert
R
South Penrith Veterinary Clinic 126 Stafford Street, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia, 2750. reptilevet@bigpond.com
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000818:Animals; D052284:Clutch Size; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D010058:Oviposition; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014426:Turtles / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing