Chronic debilitation in stranded loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the southeastern United States: Morphometrics and clinicopathological findings

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200355
• Publication Date: 2018-07-10T13:56:05Z
• Authors: Nicole I. Stacy; Jennifer M. Lynch; Michael D. Arendt; Larisa Avens; Joanne Braun McNeill; Carolyn Cray; Rusty D. Day; Craig A. Harms; A. Michelle Lee; Margie M. Peden-A...; Kelly Thorvalson; Al L. Segars; Terry M. Norton
• Keywords: Hematology; Morphometrics; White blood cell; Creatine kinase

Chronically debilitated loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) (DT) are characterized by emaciation, lethargy, and heavy barnacle coverage. Although histopathological findings associated with this condition have been reported, only limited data is available on health variables clinical application. The objectives of study were to 1) compare morphometrics, clinicopathological variables, immune functions DTs a group apparently healthy better understand the pathophysiology 2) assess parameters in live as they recovered during rehabilitation order identify potential prognostic indicators. We examined sampled 43 stranded from North Carolina Florida for 47 using standardized protocols further characterize condition. grouped into categories severity condition, those that survived at four time points through rehabilitation. All groups compared among clinically turtles. Compared turtles, had significantly lower body index, packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood (WBC) count, lymphocytes, glucose (Glc), protein, all protein fractions determined electrophoresis, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), Ca:P ratio, potassium (K), lymphocyte proliferation, greater heterophil toxicity left-shifting, uric acid (UA), aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lysozyme, respiratory burst. From admission recovery, hematology plasma chemistry improved expected. most informative indicators, correlations novel indicator (based survival times), plastron concavity, P, albumin, solids, UA, WBC, K, Glc, Ca:P, PCV. results document wide range extent morphometric metabolic derangements chronically Monitoring morphometrics these animals essential diagnosis, treatment, prognosis