Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 13

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A.

This whole-body radiograph is of an adult desert tortoise, which was anorectic, anaemic, and clinically blind.

Question	Answer		Article
What is your diagnosis?	Multiple metallic objects are present in the alimentary tract. These were found to be chips of lead-based paint that caused lead poisoning.		Link to Article
How would you confirm your diagnosis?	Chemical determination of the amount of lead in the blood. The plasma contained 211mcg/dl of lead (control tortoise’s plasma – 25.7mcg/dl).		Link to Article
What is your treatment of this disorder?	Remove the lead fragments from the stomach with an endoscope and long forceps. Administer sodium calciumedetate (35mg/kg) daily for two weeks by slow intravenous infusion using a butterfly needle-set placed into the jugular vein).		Link to Article