ABSTRACT
Analysis of a case of presumed hematogenous septic arthritis and osteomyelitis involving the elbow, distal humerus, and proximal radius and ulna in a leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) showed the chondro-osseous response to be similar to the diseases in skeletally immature humans and terrestrial mammals (both spontaneous and experimental). This particular reptile has bone that is similar to mammalian bone. The infection had partially destroyed the distal humeral, proximal ulnar and proximal radial joint surfaces and epiphyseal cartilages. The elbow was filled with a fibrovascular pannus that had caused a partial ankylosis of the joint.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Infectious/veterinary , Osteomyelitis/veterinary , Turtles , Animals , Arthritis, Infectious/pathology , Forelimb , Humerus/pathology , Osteomyelitis/pathology , Radius/pathology , Ulna/pathologyABSTRACT
A new roentgenographic classification (grading) scheme is presented for utilization in studies of skeletal development and maturation in marine mammals, particularly cetaceans. This is based on adequate description of the extent of development and maturation of the various secondary ossification centers, their eventual patterns of fusion, and subsequent remodeling with the metaphysis. The six stages are illustrated schematically and roentgenographically. This scheme may be applied to any cetacean longitudinal bone developing proximal and distal epiphyseal ossification centers.
Subject(s)
Cetacea/growth & development , Age Determination by Skeleton/veterinary , Animals , Dolphins/growth & development , Osteogenesis , Whales/growth & developmentABSTRACT
A premature baby with gastroschisis, ileal atresia and secondary short gut syndrome was sustained with the use of peripheral hyperalimentation consisting of 2 per cent Amigen, 12 per cent glucose and 10 per cent Intralipid at an average rate of 140 to 160 milliliters per kilogram per day or 100 to 111 kilocalories per kilogram per day. The weight of the child increased during the first four months to approximately 14 grams per day, with body length increasing by about 6 millimeters per week. Six reliable measurements of the total body water of the child during the four month period were obtained using deuterium oxide dilution followed by double vacuum distillation and falling drop analysis in a constant temperature chamber. Measurements obtained showed a gradual decrease of total body water from 77.13 per cent of body weight to 60.50 per cent during the study period, with values consistently on the lower end of the spectrum of known normal controls, even during periods of increased growth rates of as much as 35 grams per day. These data on total body water, coupled with the observed gains in body weight and length, support tissue accretion rather than fluid retention as the mechanism of weight gain in long term, high volume peripheral hyperalimentation.
Subject(s)
Body Water , Parenteral Nutrition, Total , Parenteral Nutrition , Body Height , Body Weight , Deuterium , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Water-Electrolyte BalanceABSTRACT
Mycobacteriosis in a Phrynops hilari (side-necked turtle) was characterized by multiple caseating granulomas in the liver and spleen; pulmonary involvement did not occur. Granulomatous inflammation and organisms also were present in the skin, suggesting a cutaneous route of entry with hematogenous spread to visceral organs. Review of the four cases of chelonian mycobacteriosis in the literature indicated that pulmonary tubercules and plastral ulcerations are typical manifestations. The Mycobacterium species usually involved is M. chelonei.
