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Tortoise Bladder Stone Surgery in Long Island, NY | Case Study #10

  • Shachar Malka
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

Case Study #10: Sulcata Tortoise Bladder Stone Surgery


Species: Sulcata Tortoise (Age 14)


Location: Long Island, NY


Sulcata Tortoise Plastronotomy (Bladder Stone Removal) in Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic


Sulcata tortoises are giants of the reptile world, but even they can suffer from painful internal issues. The Sulcata Tortoise, a 14-year-old male patient, presented with a two-week history of not eating (anorexia) and lethargy.


The Diagnosis: Cystic Calculus


Radiographs (X-rays) revealed the culprit: a large, stone-like mass in the bladder (urinary calculus). We initially tried to hydrate the patient aggressively to help pass it, but the stone was too large. Surgery was the only option.


The Treatment: Plastronotomy


Tortoise surgery presents a unique challenge: the shell. To access the bladder, we performed a Plastronotomy.

  • The Procedure: We surgically cut a "trap door" in the bottom shell (plastron) to access the body cavity. We then opened the bladder (cystotomy) and removed the stone.

  • The Repair: The shell was carefully sealed back together using specialized epoxy resin to allow it to heal.

  • Supportive Care: A feeding tube was placed to ensure the patient received nutrition while recovering.

Recovery


The Sulcata Tortoise tolerated the feeding tube well and eventually began eating on the patient's own. The tube was removed, and the patient made a full recovery, returning to the normal, heavy-eating self.


FAQs

  • How do you do surgery on a turtle shell? We use specialized oscillating saws to create a precise opening, then seal it back up with medical-grade resin. It takes months to fully heal, but the seal is watertight immediately.

  • Why do tortoises get bladder stones? It is often a combination of dehydration and diet. Sulcatas need high-fiber grass hay and plenty of water soaks.

Contact Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic:

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