References
Management of Mycoplasma agassizii infection in a Horsfield tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)
Abstract
A 3-year-old Horsfield tortoise was presented for lethargy, anorexia, blepharedema and mucopurulent ocular and nasal discharge. Culture of nasal exudates was negative, but real-time polymerase chain reaction on an oral swab revealed the presence of Mycoplasma agassizii. Multimodal therapy consisted of ocular and nasal flushing, systemic and topical antibiotics, nebulisation, analgesia and supportive care in the form of warmth, fluid therapy and nutritional support. As Mycoplasma spp. remain latent within the body, correction of husbandry and nutritional deficits was particularly important to enhance the animal's immune system, in order to prevent recrudescence of clinical signs. To avoid disease spread, the client was advised against introducing new tortoises into the collection.
Mycoplasma agassizii is a well-known respiratory pathogen found in captive and wild chelonians, and infection can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of this clinical case report is to educate veterinary practitioners on superior diagnostics and therapeutics used for M. agassizii infection, to emphasise the importance of a multimodal approach to diagnostics and therapeutics when dealing with upper respiratory disease in tortoises, and to create awareness of the important role of veterinarians in the prevention of transmission and recrudescence of clinical signs by means of client education.
A 3-year-old male Horsfield tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii), weighing 0.085kg.
The patient was presented because of a 7-day history of inappetence, lethargy, blepharedema and bubbling from the nares. It had recently been rescued from living in suboptimal housing conditions and was then introduced to a female Horsfield's tortoise in the client's greenhouse. No previous health concerns had been communicated to the new owner.
The diet consisted of dandelions, cucumber and tomato; calcium was supplemented by means of a chalk block. The greenhouse contained a grass substrate and had a thermostat-controlled incandescent light bulb. Hiding spots, interest and sleeping quarters were available and free access to the outdoors was provided to allow the tortoises to reach cooler temperatures.
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