MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING AND COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY OF A GRAVID LEOPARD TORTOISE (GEOCHELONE PARDALIS PARDALIS) WITH METABOLIC BONE-DISEASE

Secondary nutritional metabolic bone disease was diagnosed in a gravid leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis pardalis). Diagnosis was based upon history, physical examination, hematology, plasma biochemistry, a nd radiography. Despite induced oviposition and treatment of metabolic bone disease for 8 wk, the tortoise's condition deteriorated. Repeat radiographs demonstrated gaseous intestinal distention. Oral administr ation of metoclopramide and mineral oil failed to stimulate defecation . Persistence of the ileus pattern prompted utilization of magnetic re sonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT). MRI demonstrat ed brightly enhanced loops of mineral oil-filled small bowel and preov ulatory follicles. CT demonstrated dystrophic calcification of the lef t hepatic lobe and preovulatory follicles and the typical reticular pa ttern of chelonian lung. The interstitial septa were caused by pulmona ry vasculature or bands of smooth muscle.