3073. A 19-year-old red-eared slider has swollen limbs

Written by Intern Wong Shu Yu




Synopsis:

A 19 year old female red eared slider was limp and unresponsive when brought in.  The owner mentioned that the slider had not been eating for weeks and that she was gasping for air earlier that morning. As no reflexes were detected in response to stimuli, the slider was pronounced dead. It was noted however, that the slider’s limbs and neck were swollen. This was a possible indication that the slider had been suffering from kidney, heart or liver disease prior to death. The slider’s shell was also dented inwards in the centre, which suggested a history of shell rot in the past.

The slider was considered to have lived a long life given that the natural life span of red eared sliders in captivity typically ranges between 15 to 30 years. It is highly probable that the slider had died of natural causes due to old age; however, it would not be possible to pinpoint the precise cause of death without having resort to a post-mortem. Having discussed the various options with the owner, the owner agreed to have the slider sent for cremation.

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Date: Sunday, 30 April 2017

Attending physician: Dr Sing Kong Yuen, Dr Daniel Sing

Particulars

Name: -

Age: 19 years

Weight: -

Gender: Female

Species: Terrapin

Breed: Red Eared Slider



History:

The slider had not been eating for weeks.  Patient was gasping for air and struggling for air at 2.30am that morning.  Usual diet comprises boiled chicken, prawns, vegetables and commercial pallets.
The slider was exposed to half an hour UV light every day and allowed to bask and dry
off completely.

Physical Examination:

Patient was limp and no reflexes detected
Neck, and limbs were oedematous
Shell was concave in the middle
Carapace measured 16 cm long x 15 cm across

Diagnosis:

Patient had passed away upon arrival. Cause of death is likely to be old age.
Suffered from shell rot previously, thereby affecting integrity of shell
Edema suggests that kidney, heart or liver diseases could be present

Procedures done:

None.

Treatment Plan:

1. Explained to owner that likely cause of death is old age, but that it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of death unless patient is sent for a post-mortem at the government vet facilities. However, some owners find the process traumatic.

2. Owner appeared to be affected by patient’s death, and asked if the patient could have been saved had he sought treatment earlier. Advised that (i) the patient was considered old given that the natural lifespan of red eared sliders in captivity is about 15 to 30 years, and that (ii) treatment options for red eared sliders were limited. Consequently, it was likely that there would be no difference in the
outcome even if earlier treatment had been sought for the patient.

3. Provided owner with option of cremation. Owner agreed and the carcass of the patient was left in the clinic and arrangements made for cremation.

Exhibits:
Fig 1: Top view of patient-  Swollen limbs