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12 June 2020 SPINAL ANESTHESIA IN GREEN SEA TURTLES (CHELONIA MYDAS) UNDERGOING SURGICAL REMOVAL OF CUTANEOUS FIBROPAPILLOMAS
Fabio Futema, Fernanda Maria de Carvalho, Max Rondon Werneck
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Abstract

Techniques for anesthesia of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are required for medical treatment. The use of spinal anesthesia has been reported in a few species of turtles for different purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of 2% lidocaine for spinal anesthesia of green sea turtles undergoing surgical removal of cutaneous fibropapillomas. Ten free-ranging green turtles presenting with cutaneous fibropapillomas were included in the study. Animals were accidentally captured or rescued by local fishermen and brought to the Ubatuba Research Base (Sao Paulo, Brazil) of the Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Program for rehabilitation. Animals were administered 2% lidocaine (0.2 ml/10 cm of carapace) in the epidural/subarachnoid space of the tail and monitored throughout surgery. The technique was effective for all animals, with fast onset of motor and sensory blockade (3 ± 1.76 min) and relatively fast recovery time (83.9 ± 16.2 min). Fibropapillomas were removed from all animals with no signs of pain (i.e., no behavioral response during surgical procedure, such as head and forelimb movement, showing discomfort) and they were all rehabilitated and successfully returned to their natural habitat. The technique was considered effective, safe, and affordable for use on green turtles undergoing surgical removal of cutaneous fibropapillomas.

Copyright 2020 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Fabio Futema, Fernanda Maria de Carvalho, and Max Rondon Werneck "SPINAL ANESTHESIA IN GREEN SEA TURTLES (CHELONIA MYDAS) UNDERGOING SURGICAL REMOVAL OF CUTANEOUS FIBROPAPILLOMAS," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 51(2), 357-362, (12 June 2020). https://doi.org/10.1638/2015-0084
Accepted: 4 January 2020; Published: 12 June 2020
KEYWORDS
Chelonia mydas
fibropapillomatosis
green turtle
spinal anesthesia
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