title: Undifferentiated sarcoma resolved by forelimb amputation and prosthesis in a radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata).
abstract: An adult female, radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata) presented with a grossly swollen left forelimb that restricted mobility and prevented limb withdrawal. Clinical pathology revealed leukopenia (1.9 x 10(9)/L) and hyperproteinemia (69 g/L) that on protein electrophoresis was attributed to increased acute-phase proteins in the alpha fraction (26.4 g/L). Biopsy revealed a poorly differentiated soft tissue sarcoma. Surgical amputation at the proximal humerus was curative. To encourage postoperative mobility, a novel methylmethacrylate prosthesis, molded from a lubricated transected tennis ball, was adhered to the plastron using three cortical bone screws. This is the first recorded case of a sarcoma in the genus Geochelone.
authors.affiliation: Exotic Animal, Wildlife and Zoological Medicine Service, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.
authors.forename: Kelleyerin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Clabaugh
authors.forename: K Michelle
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Haag
authors.forename: Christopher S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Hanley
authors.forename: Kenneth S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Latimer
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hernandez-Divers
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000662:veterinary*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014426:Turtles