Charles J. Innis, VMD1*, Michael Garner DVM, DACVP2, April Johnson, DVM3, Richard Ogust4

Ten captive Arakan forest turtles (Heosemys depressa) were presented for evaluation of oronasal discharge, appetite loss, and lethargy. Physical examination of affected animals revealed colorless to white, foamy oronasal discharge with variable inflammation of the tongue and oropharynx. Several animals had diphtheritic, yellow to brown 1 cm plaques on the tongue and pharyngeal mucosa. Diagnostic testing included bacterial and fungal cultures, radiography, esophagogastroscopy, biopsy, virology, and histopathology. Two turtles died and necropsy was performed. Histopathological findings varied among cases and included moderate to marked lymphoplasmacytic esophagitis; moderate lymphonodular and lyphoplasmacytic mucositis of the tongue; moderate to marked chronic gastric mucositis with catarrhal exudates; granulomatous, necrotizing glossitis, and severe metastatic mineralization of the alimentary tract. No infectious agents were identified. Supportive treatment was subjectively helpful in some cases. This report is provided with the hope of alerting other veterinarians to the existence of an upper alimentary tract disorder in the Arakan forest turtle.
Captive Husbandry & Veterinary Management Oral

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