contents of the cysts, making them more visible.
PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS
Hemorrhagic necrotizing colitis
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
N/A
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
N/A
CLIENT EDUCATION/HUSBANDRY RECOMMENDATIONS
Practice proper hygiene
Wash fruits and vegetables before being fed
House infected animals separately
DRUG(S) OF CHOICE
Metronidazole 50 mg/kg PO q24h for 7 days
Nimorazole 125 mg/kg PO q24h for 4 days
Tetracyclines 5–10 mg/kg q24h for 5–8 days
PRECAUTIONS/INTERACTIONS
N/A
PATIENT MONITORING
Recheck feces on a routine basis
EXPECTED COURSE AND PROGNOSIS
Treatment should only be started if clinical disease is observed.
COMMENTS
N/A
ZOONOTIC POTENTIAL
Balantidium coli is the only known species to infect humans.
SYNONYMS
N/A
ABBREVIATIONS
SAF = sodium acetate acetic acid formalin
INTERNET RESOURCES
De Bosschere H, Roels S. Balantidium sp. and Nyctotherus sp.: Two common members of the digestive‐tract flora in Mediterranean tortoises. Tortoise Trust. https://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/balantidium.htm
Divers SJ. Parasitic Diseases of Reptiles. MSD Manual Veterinary Manual, June 2020. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic‐and‐laboratory‐animals/reptiles/parasitic‐diseases‐of‐reptiles
Suggested Reading
1 Hnizdo J, Pantchev N., eds. Protozoa (digestive tract). In: Medical Care of Turtles and Tortoises: Diagnosis, Surgery, Pathology, Parasitology. Frankfurt, Germany: Edition Chimaira; 2011:194–195
2 Jacobson ER. Parasites and parasitic diseases of reptiles. In: Jacobson ER, ed. Infectious Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles: Color Atlas and Text. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2007:571–666.
3 Rataj AV, Lindtner‐Knific R, Vlahovic K, et al. Parasites in pet reptiles. Acta Vet Scand 2011; 53(1):33.
Author Elsburgh O. Clarke III, DVM, DACZM
Buphthalmos
DEFINITION/OVERVIEW
Buphthalmos is an enlarged globe that is positioned normally in the socket.
ETIOLOGY/PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
An increase in IOP causing enlargement and distention of the globe secondary to chronic glaucoma.
SIGNALMENT/HISTORY
There is no standard signalment for this disease.
Common findings in the history may include tearing and squinting noted by the owners, as well as an asymmetry of the globes and loss of vision on the affected side(s).
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
While buphthalmos can be bilateral, most cases in chelonians are unilateral.
The corneal diameter of the affected eye is increased due to globe stretching.
There may be blepharospasm and epiphora.
Unlike exophthalmia, the conjunctiva and position of the nictitans is usually normal.
There may be red ciliary flush (red ring around the cornea) and congested episcleral vessels.
There may be lens luxation and/or cataracts in the affected eye(s).
Retropulsion of the globe is normal but the globe itself may feel firmer than normal.
RISK FACTORS
Husbandry
Diet and environmental factors are likely to have an effect on the development of cataracts.
Cataract development in brumating tortoises has been associated with damage from freezing temperatures.
Others
Trauma, especially if there is corneal penetration, can induce
