Acute traumatic partial carapace avulsion in common snapping turtles
Free-ranging common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) are commonly evaluated for partial carapace avulsion (PCA) defects from collision with vehicle undercarriages. These defects appear as non-reducible carapace wounds without associated fracture lines. Techniques used in other freshwater turtles which aim to achieve fracture reduction and stabilization are not feasible for PCA defects. This retrospective study details the presentation, treatment, and outcome of traumatic PCA defects in snapping turtles presenting to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Wisconsin.
The records of a wildlife center were retrospectively reviewed to identify common snapping turtles diagnosed with PCA defects without visible associated fracture lines from 2014 to 2021. Signalment, description and severity, therapeutic approach and outcome were evaluated.
Of the 20 turtles presenting with PCA defects, 2 (10%) never recovered from sedation, and 6 (30%) were euthanized on initial examination or due to comorbidities early in treatment, leaving 12 (60%) turtles available to assess carapace healing.
Most PCA defects were classified as mild or severe (4 of 12 each, 33%), followed by superficial or moderate (2 of 12 each, 17%). Defects of 3 (25%) turtles were treated with only hydrophilic or hyperosmolar dressings, 2 (17%) turtles with antiseptics only, and 7 (58%) turtles with a combination of both. All 12 turtles with PCAs experienced successful healing following topical antibiotic and antiseptic therapy. The median time to carapace healing was 91 days (range, 7–210 days) and the duration of topical therapy was 32 days (range, 5–99 days). Complications included plastron ulceration (2 of 12, 17%), plastron abrasion (1 of 12, 8%) and digit trauma or necrosis (2 of 12, 17%).
Results indicate that traumatic PCA defects treated with topical antibiotic and antiseptic therapy have a successful outcome regardless of severity. Most complications were minor, with all resulting in successful carapacial wound healing.
Courtney N. Patson, et al. “Outcome of common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) treated for acute traumatic partial carapace avulsion: 12 cases (2014-2021).” Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine Volume 43, October 2022, Pages 4-10. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2022.06.003
Comments
Related Articles
More news
Copyright © 2026 - All Rights Reserved
ISSN 2768-198X
List
Add
Please enter a comment