RETRIEVAL OF A FISH NET HOOK FROM THE ESOPHAGUS OF A BROWN ROOF TURTLE (Pangshura smithii)

(Tripathi S.D, Lokhande D.U, Adsul P.B, Jodumoni Kachari, Satyawan Agivale, Zenobia Chinoy and Cooper J.K. Department of surgery and radiology, Bombay veterinary college, Parel-Mumbai)

Fig.No.1: Fish net hook after removal

Fig.No.2: D.V.X-ray showing fish net hook

Fig. No.3: Turtle after complete recovery

Fishing activity has played a very significant role in endangering the existence of turtles in the world. This is especially true in fresh water turtles which get entangled in the fish hook nets lowered in brackish water lagoons or fresh water lakes or ponds.

Case history and presentation:

An adult fresh water turtle was presented to the B.S.D.P.H. for animals at Parel, with a nylon string protruding from its mouth. The person who had brought it to the hospital said that he had found it near a lake in a very sedate condition. The turtle was sent for X-ray which revealed a J- shaped hook in the esophagus close to its entry at the thoracic region.

The turtle was immediately anaesthetized with ketamine @32 mg/kg body weight intramuscularly. After induction of anaesthesia the neck was extended. A slight pressure towards the thoracic end of the esophagus caused a protrusion of the fish hook. A small incision was made on the protrusion and the fish hook was retrieved. The skin and sub-cutis was sutured together by means of 2-0 nylon. The turtle was administered injection ampicillin and cloxacillin at the dose rate of 25 mg/kg intramuscular b.i.d for 5 days. The turtle recovered uneventfully and resumed its normal life

Summary:

Retrieval of fish net hook from the esophagus of a turtle is described in the present paper.