Diagnostic Studies on Gastroenteritis in Conjunction with the Anatomical and Histological Studies on the Gastrointestinal Tract of the Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)

Digestive problem is one of the most important complain of desert tortoises. A total of twenty four Egyptian tortoises (Testudo kleinmanni) were examined for clinical, anatomical andhistological studies. Gastroenteritis in our study was mainly occurred from parasitic infestations; large numbers of Oxyurid adult worms, small sized larvae and large number of Oxyurid eggs. In addition, protozoal infection included the presence of Nyctotherius and Plantadium species. Marked anorexia and greenish watery diarrhea were the main clinical signs. Also, significant increase in relative eosinophilic count was recorded. Marked significant decrease was recorded for serum calcium level leading to areas of discoloration at the carapace. Anatomical studies were applied to manage the Plastron celiotomy for intestinal impactions. In this study, we compared anatomically the healthy and unhealthy gastrointestinal tracts. Normal anatomical positions of the GIT were changed as, in case of severe gastroenteritis and accumulation of gases, the cecum was displaced to the left side, and the ascending colon reached the right side of the coelomic cavity. Also, the stomach was displaced more laterally to the left side in the diseased GIT. There was no external demarcation between jejunum and ileum. Densely backed mucous glandular tissue was found in the esophageal mucosa. No evidence for sub mucosal Brunner’s glands of duodenum were observed. More abundant gut associated lymphoid tissue was recorded in cecal region samples. Microscopic examination of intestinal/duodenal samples revealed many intra epithelial parasitic stages all over intestinal villi accompanied with underlying lamina propria or intra epithelial eosinophilic infiltrations.