Prolapse Surgery procedure in a Female Red-ear Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

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Prolapse Surgery Procedure in a Female Red-ear Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) - Marty La Prees

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Marty La Prees

Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Indiana Turtle Care, Inc.

www.Pogospals.com

January 4, 2004, I was presented with an adult female Red Eared Slider supposedly found by a young man who brought it to his grandfather because of ‘a tumor coming out the back end’. After seeing this turtle, I quickly knew that because of the carapace being horribly misshapen and deformed, it probably was a pet. Also, red eared sliders are hibernating this time of year in Indiana and it is unlikely that it was found in the wild.

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THE ANIMAL PICTURED BELOW WAS ANESTHETIZED FOR THIS PROCEDURE

After seeing other cases such as this, I was sure this was a prolapse, one of the largest ones I have seen and that it was not new. The prolapse presented with some areas of fresh tissue but much dead tissue as well.

With my vet, Dr. Wes Hildebrandt, out of town for a few days, I contacted Dr. Chris Tabaka. With his advice, I began systemic antibiotics and application of SSD to keep the area moist. The turtle did not seem to be in any discomfort.

Four days later, I assisted Dr. Wes with the procedure. After administering general anesthesia, the area was cleansed and thoroughly examined. The dead tissue was easily debrided, coming off in one piece.


Before debridement, with enlarged cloaca	Debrided tissue

Prolapse after debridement. You can see that there is a large amount of fresh tissue.

With the cloaca so enlarged, the prolapse was easily inserted

Two sutures were placed to keep the prolapse intact. One suture will be removed one-week post op, and the second suture will be removed after 10 days. The turtle continues to receive antibiotics and diluted Betadine solution flushes. A fecal float will be taken to see if there are parasites, which can be a cause of prolapses. Improper diet is also a cause of prolapses. This turtle obviously had improper nutrition and care given the condition of her carapace.