DUODENAL VOLVULUS IN FREE-LIVING GREEN TURTLES FROM COASTAL UNITED-ARAB-EMIRATES

Post-mortem examinations performed during May and August of 1997 on th ree free-living green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the United Arab Emir ates revealed that all had stomachs full of fresh seagrass (approximat ely 99% of the total ingesta) and presented with a duodenal volvulus i nvolving a length of approximately 100 cm. Duodeni appeared empty and necrotic with diffuse purple-black mucosa. No apparent signs of obstru ction by foreign objects, acute endoparasitism or other disorders were observed. In all cases, duodenal volvulus was diagnosed, the cause of which may have been dietary in origin. The rise in water temperature, with an associated rise in the temperature of seagrass, thus enhancin g the over-fermentation of ingesta with the subsequent liberation of e xcessive amounts of gas was the probable cause of volvulus formation. Ingestion of foreign bodies and physical movement also are discussed a s causes of digestive disorders. It is recommended that handlers shoul d avoid 360 degrees rotation when overturning turtles onto their carap aces.