title: Skin and skeletal system lesions of european pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from natural habitats.
abstract: Water pollution is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of plastron, carapace and skin diseases of turtles. In this study, a total of 150 European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) of different age and both sexes, originating from natural habitats in Serbia, were examined for morphological changes of the skin, plastron, carapace and skeletal system. The turtles were taken out from their natural habitats in Lake Ludas, Lake Palic and Lake Tresetiste. After artificial hibernation, they were subjected to detailed examination, sampled and treated, and finally returned into their natural habitat. Biopsies from the skin and shell were subjected to histopathological examination and microbiological analysis. X-ray scanning was also performed to detect changes in the skeletal system. Macroscopic changes of the skin, most frequently degenerative, inflammatory or neoplastic diseases, were diagnosed in 49.33% of the turtles examined. Dermatitis of different origin and form was the most prominent histopathological finding (28.00%). In the plastron, inflammatory and degenerative processes were frequently found. Osteopathy and mechanical injuries were the dominant findings. Macroscopic changes of the plastron, carapace and skeletal system were diagnosed in 67.33% of the turtles examined. Using X-ray scanning, generalised osteopathy, anomalies and malformations of different aetiology were also diagnosed on the tail and legs. Microbiological examinations showed the presence of a variety of bacterial and fungal agents, either primary pathogens or potential polluters, which invaded the skin and shell, or were present in cloacal swab samples. Bacterial infection was diagnosed in 76.66% of the turtles, first of all in those with skin and shell necrosis. Mycoses were diagnosed in 33.33% of the animals.
authors: University of Belgrade Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Belgrade Serbia.
authors: Sanja
authors: S
authors: Aleksić-Kovačević
authors: Belgrade Zoo Garden Belgrade Serbia.
authors: József
authors: J
authors: Ozvegy
authors: University of Belgrade Department of Radiology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Belgrade Serbia.
authors: Nikola
authors: N
authors: Krstić
authors: Szent István University Department of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science Budapest Hungary.
authors: Miklós
authors: M
authors: Rusvai
authors: Szent István University Department of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science Budapest Hungary.
authors: Csaba
authors: C
authors: Jakab
authors: University of Belgrade Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Belgrade Serbia.
authors: Zoran
authors: Z
authors: Stanimirović
authors: University of Belgrade Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bulevar Oslobodenja 18 11000 Belgrade Serbia.
authors: Zsolt
authors: Z
authors: Becskei
keywords: Emys orbicularis; pond turtle; skin and skeletal system; water pollution