Urgent Care :: pre-ovulatory follicular stasis

[resindog76]

How big is your turtle? 7 inches length of carapace
How long have you had it? Since 12/2006 (she was about 2in when got her)

What is the water temperature? 28 degrees C
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? 70 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? Yes (box filter)

What is the basking temperature? 32 degrees C
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? The platform is designed from water proof wood and sits on the top of the tank, with a climbing ladder.
Is there a UVB light? Yes

What have you been trying to feed it? Pellets, vegetables (as per advised on site) and other feeder fish.

When was the last time your turtle ate? Ate a couple of feeder fish yesterday.

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 70 gallons
Is the tank near a window? Yes (but with blinds closed)
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? No

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Not feeding as usual, less movement, red flush.


Hi,

She was taken to the vet twice for both ultra-sound and a blood test. The vet's diagnosis is that she may have pre ovulatory follicular stasis. He has advised surgery, but claims that it may be dangerous. He said that her ovaries are pushing up against her stomach and may burst, but also that they may reach their intended place and she'll be ok. I am not sure what to do, the surgery is very expensive and does not guarantee success. I was hoping that someone else may have had a similar experience and can advise. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for any comments people may have.

resindog76

[marisa]

I have to say I've never had this experience, but since surgery is being recommended (and it is dangerous, not to mention expensive), is it possible to get a second opinion?

It sounds like your RES has grown quite a bit in the time that you've had her. By chance is she overweight? If so, this is likely contributing to the problem.

When the vet says that the ovaries may reach their intended place, did he give any indication as to the chances of this happening and how long this might take?

[resindog76]

Thanks for your reply Marisa

She has been losing weight recently from not eating, but yes she was overfed as a youngster, hence her growth rate being abnormal. Needless to say i was not responsible with her feeding, i had other fish in the tank and she would often eat the fish food i fed to the fish, which was high in protein and must have affected her growth. She refuses to eat anything right now, though she did eat a couple of feeder fish yesterday. Any advice on whether i should feed her what she wants in case she needs energy for the eggs or to get well?

I have the x-rays and blood test results and would definitely like a second opinion, is there someone anyone can recommend who would look at these results?

Unfortunately the Vet did not indicate what the time frames were for her condition, he can't even be sure of the diagnosis so has just asked for her to be monitored. If there are no changes in the next week he has asked for her to be brought into the clinic again. Each consultation is very expensive and the operation is significantly more, and with the chances of success not vey high i'm becoming increasingly stressed over how to proceed. Over and above this i'm halfways across the world from Sammy (the RES in Hong Kong) in London but am very lucky to have family and friends looking after her there. Any advice on this problem would be great, i am all ears for possible suggestions/alternatives. Thanks.

[SpotsMama]

I agree with seeking a second opinion. X rays and blood test results might be provided to a vet in some other location, such as in London where you are.

[resindog76]

Thanks SpotsMama, i have sent some emails out to some vets in London, hopefully i will get some news soon. I hope that an email of the x-rays will be sufficient, or should i get the originals mailed to me?

[SpotsMama]

Good question for the vet.

[steve]

Hi resindog76, I replied to your email... let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

[theartbook35]

I'm not thrilled with a vet who says your turtle needs surgery, then says everything could be fine on it's own without surgery.

Second opinion is your best bet.

[resindog76]

Thank you Steve. Thanks also to theartbook35, i am trying to get that second opinion.

[resindog76]

Dear all,

I have received some wonderful support and assistance in the past week from Vets here in the UK and in Hong Kong. It is very encouraging to get such willing help when you need it, as i have from the people on this site too, thank you.

Sammy the Res has had a few visitations to the clinic and the Vet has advised that she can go home and be monitored for awhile. Though it does appear that she has growing follicles it seems that because she has started eating and behaving more normally surgery may not be absolutely necessary at this stage. The Vet is concerned however that the 'stasis' may return and also that this may be an annual problem so feels that spaying is still an option to consider. We have provided Sammy with an area to lay eggs but i have read and been told that this is not always suitable for individual female RES who may be uncomfortable laying eggs unless the environment is suitable. I'm pleased that she has started eating and become active again as i'm guessing this is a good sign but am now worried about providing an adequate place for her to lay her eggs if she needs to otherwise i'm thinking she may get sick again. I will keep an update here but in the meantime if there is any more advice it is very welcomed. Thanks

[marisa]

Good news that there has been some improvement and that she's becoming active and eating again. When you said you had assistance of vetS (plural), were you able to get some other opinions on the condition?

Females can be selective about where they lay their eggs, so if she starts to show signs of being gravid and doesn't live what you've created, you can try her in alternative places as well (outside if there's a suitable place, for example). Personally, I don't think I'd consider spaying, especially if it's for a preventive measure, since this may or may not be a problem in the future.

Hope all continues to go well. Periodic updates would be welcome.

[resindog76]

Hi Marisa,

Well i did send through the ultrasound and bloodtest results to a couple of vets in the UK. Also, we had a vet in HK who was familiar with the clinic drop in and chat with the people there. Everyone recommended that the diagnosis of the vet taking care of her case was the best way to go, it seems that this clinic is very well regarded in Hong Kong.

I have read about the potential problem of finding a suitable nesting site... we will do what we can, i think if i'm in HK i can find a suitable outdoor area for her. Spaying will probably only be an option if she is unwell, i would rather she just cycle naturally for her own benefit. Thank you for the well wishes.