Essentials of Tortoise Medicine and Surgery [Paperback]

Reach for this book whenever a sick or injured tortoise comes into the surgery. Essentials of Tortoise Medicine and Surgery is designed as a concise and practical quick reference for the busy practitioner seeing chelonians as part of their caseload.  Covering everything from species identification to common basic surgery for tortoises and freshwater turtles, the emphasis is on the more common and likely diagnoses.

The first section of the book gives an overview of the basics of tortoise and semi-aquatic/ aquatic freshwater turtle husbandry and keeping, as well as a guide to general investigation and diagnostic techniques open to clinicians. The second section provides a clinical guide based on clinical signs and differential diagnoses.

Based upon the experience of authors who have been practicing with these species for several decades, this book is a useful guide to veterinarians, students, veterinary nurses and technicians new to working with these fascinating creatures.  It will also serve as a useful aide memoire to more experienced clinicians.

Preface vi

Part I Introduction 1

1 Biology 3

1.1 Species and Family Overview 3

1.2 Natural History 9

1.3 Sex Determination and Incubation of Eggs 20

1.4 Physiology/Anatomy 27

1.5 Chelonian Behaviour 34

2 Husbandry 41

2.1 The Husbandry Review 41

2.2 Hibernation 50

3 Practice Needs 54

3.1 Equipment 54

3.2 Economics 56

3.3 Hospitalisation 59

3.4 Instructions for Receptionists 62

4 Examination 63

4.1 Transport Guidelines 63lS@