Intestinal volvulus and stricture associated with a leiomyoma in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas)

A previously stranded 30-kg female green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was referr ed to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida following a 2-mo history of anorexia, intermittent regurgitation, decrease d fecal production, and positive buoyancy of the right side. Radiographs co nfirmed gaseous distension of bowel loops suggestive of intestinal obstruct ion. The coelom was surgically approached through a plastron osteotomy, and a 540 degrees volvulus of the small intestine was identified and derotated . An intestinal stricture was present at the site of the volvulus, and segm ents of bowel orad to the stricture were greatly distended. Following resec tion of abnormal bowel, the osteotomy was stabilized using self-tapping scr ews and figure-eight wire, and the defect was sealed with fiberglass cloth and fast-drying epoxy resin. A leiomyoma associated with the focal strictur e was identified by histology. Appetite and defecation returned to normal. Six months after surgery, the turtle had regained normal buoyancy and showe d no further clinical signs of gastrointestinal obstruction.