Septic coelomic effusion suggestive of uroperitoneum in a yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) - case report

ABSTRACT A captive adult female yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) underwent elective oophorectomy using a video-assisted surgical technique. Twelve days later, radiography and ultrasonography revealed free coelomic fluid. Fluid cytology showed a predominance of variably degenerate heterophils with abundant intracellular and extracellular bacteria. The effusion’s uric acid concentration was approximately twice that of serum. Despite undergoing a second surgery via plastron osteotomy for oviduct removal, the tortoise died postoperatively. Necropsy confirmed septic peritonitis due to right oviduct rupture and salpingitis. Although no bladder lesions were observed, the elevated effusion uric acid concentration is suggestive of urine leakage, possibly through the reproductive tract. This is the first documented case of septic coelomic effusion in reptiles associated with presumed urine leakage, occurring as a complication of an elective surgical procedure. These findings highlight the need for reliable diagnostic markers to identify uroperitoneum in reptiles.