Echocardiographic features of captive red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied, 1839) (Reptilia: Testudines: Emylidae)

Date

6-2015

Degree

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

College

College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Emilia A Lastica-Temura

Co-adviser

Jezie A. Acorda

Abstract

Assessment of cardiac status is still not yet fully established in chelonians, even with Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), also known as ?the most common pet shop turtle?. This study was conducted in order to determine the echocardiographic features of apparently healthy captive-maintained Red-eared Sliders using 24 (7 males and 17 females) samples weighing at least 1 kg. Echocardiograms were obtained through the cervicobrachial acoustic window using 8.5 MHz linear array probe for animals weighing over 1.144 kg and a 5.5 MHz micro-convex for lighter samples. Results showed left atrium, right atrium, and ventricle can be visualized, possessing anechoic lumen and hyperechoic wall. The heart rate was 38 ± 7.71 bpm Diastolic left and right atrial luminal diameter was 1.03 ± 0.30 cm and wall thickness was 0.31 ± 0.08 cm Ventricular luminal diameter was 1.79 ± 0.47 cm at diastole and 1.08 ± 0.39 cm at systole with wall thickness of 0.48 ± 0.11 cm and 0.65 ± 0.11 respectively Echo mean luminal values for the left atrium was 74.80 ± 7.35 right atrium at 74.88 ± 7.57 and ventricle at 74.34 ± 7.28. A very strong positive correlation was found between carapace length and atrial wall thickness. No significant differences were obtained between males and females. Results of this study can be used as a basis for future echocardiogram studies on Red-eared Sliders.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2015 V4 T37

Document Type

Thesis

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