Gastrointestinal obstruction by foreign bodies in a captive giant South American turtle (Podocnemis expansa)

The case of a 4yearold giant South American turtle (Podocnemis expansa) that presented anorexia, vomits and constipation during four days is reported. The animal was kept in a temperate landwater terrarium with gravel as substratum. The diet was only composed by commercial pelleted food for turtles. No alteration was observed during physical examination. Radiologic examination revealed multiple radioopaque foreign bodies in the stomach. Gastric foreign body obstruction was diagnosed. Medical therapy was administered during seven days with limited success. Gastrotomy was performed and multiple stones of about 5 x 10 mm were removed. Then, the animal continued receiving medical therapy by means of prokinetic, analgesic and antibiotic drugs. The animal fully recovered.