Ascocotyle longa (Digenea: Heterophyidae) infecting dolphins from the Atlantic Ocean.

We report for the first time the infection of dolphins with Ascocotyle longa found in the intestines of three different species, Sotalia guianensis, Steno bredanensis, and Tursiops truncatus gephyreus, which were found washed ashore along the southeastern and southern Brazilian coast. The worms were identified based on morphological and molecular data using the 28S rDNA gene and the COI gene. Specimens of A. longa from the pinniped Otaria flavescens were also analyzed. As the first isolation of A. longa from cetaceans, the present study increases the distribution area and range of definitive hosts of this trematode, and provides new molecular data to complement the phylogeny of the group in future studies, thus contributing to the scientific knowledge of this potentially zoonotic parasite.

Prey species of franciscana Pontoporia blainvillei as paratenic hosts of helminths.

The distribution of franciscana Pontoporia blainvillei Gervais & d'Orbigny, 1884, is restricted to the estuarine and coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic. The diet of this dolphin is composed of fishes, squids, and shrimps, many of which harbor helminths that may infect franciscana. Larval forms of the trematode Synthesium pontoporiae and the acanthocephalan Bolbosoma turbinella have been recorded in franciscana; however, they have not yet been identified in any of the prey species of this cetacean. We evaluated 3 components of the diet of franciscana as possible transmission sources of parasitiasis. Specimens of São Paulo squid Doryteuthis sanpaulensis (n = 50), banded croaker Paralonchurus brasiliensis (n = 43), and rough scad Trachurus lathami (n = 50) were necropsied. Organs were washed and examined under a stereomicroscope. Helminths were collected and mounted on slides. None of the species analyzed showed infection by metacercariae of S. pontoporiae. Helminths found in São Paulo squid have not been recorded in franciscana. Cistacanths of Corynosoma australe were found in the coelomic cavity and mesentery of croaker (prevalence [P] = 53.49%; mean infection intensity [MII] = 6.74) and scad (P = 4%; MII = 1.50). Cistacanths of B. turbinella were also found in the same sites in scad (P = 14%; MII = 2.14). Banded croaker and rough scad are recorded in this study as new paratenic hosts for C. australe, while scad is a new paratenic host for B. turbinella.

Reproductive status of captive Loggerhead sea turtles based on serum levels of gonadal steroid hormones, corticosterone and thyroxin.

Serum levels of gonadal steroid hormones, corticosterone and thyroxin (T(4)), were monitored monthly in two male and one female captive Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) over a period of 12 months in 2004 and 3 months in 2006. Ovary ultrasonography was performed in April and July 2006. The turtles were kept together in an outdoor sea pool in natural temperature and photoperiod conditions from May to November, then in separate indoor pools from December to April. Circulating hormone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Oestradiol levels in the female turtle surged significantly in July, as did the progesterone level in September. Total testosterone levels were different in both males, but both peaked in September. The peaks of oestradiol in the female and testosterone in the males did not coincide, both showing delay with respect to the hormone cycle described in free-ranging Loggerhead sea turtles. A seasonal pattern in T(4) levels was not observed. The three captive turtles showed very low corticosterone levels throughout the year, with a September peak coinciding with the peaks of progesterone in females and testosterone in males. The results suggested that conditions of captivity should be as close as possible to natural conditions throughout the entire year since the process of vitellogenesis in this species is protracted. Exposure to natural conditions for only a few months is insufficient to induce reproduction/oviposition.

Helminth component community of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, from Madeira Archipelago, Portugal.

The helminth fauna of pelagic-stage loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, is still poorly known. Here, we describe the helminth-component community of healthy, free-ranging juvenile loggerhead sea turtles captured in the waters around Madeira Island, Portugal. Fifty-seven were used in this study. The esophagus, stomach, intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, trachea, bronchi, urinary bladder, heart, left and right aortas, and coelomic cavity were macroscopically inspected; organs and tissues were removed and washed through a sieve. A search for parasites was made using a stereoscopic microscope; recovered parasites were fixed and stored in 70% alcohol until staining and identification. Prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance values were recorded. In total, 156 parasite specimens belonging to 9 species were found: nematodes included Anisakis simplex s.l. (larvae) and an unidentified species; digenetic trematodes present were Enodiotrema megachondrus, Rhytidodes gelatinosus, Pyelosomum renicapite, and Calycodes anthos; acanthocephalans included Bolbosoma vasculosum and Rhadinorhynchus pristis; a single cestode, Nybelinia sp., was present. Parasite infections were found to have both low prevalences and intensities. Possible reasons for this include the oligotrophic conditions of the pelagic habitat around Madeira; a 'dilution effect' because of the vastness of the area; and the small size, and thus ingestion rate, of the turtles. Results are discussed in terms of the various turtle populations that may use the waters surrounding Madeira. This work provides valuable information on the parasite fauna of a poorly known stage in the life of loggerhead sea turtles, thereby filling a fundamental gap with regard to features of the parasite fauna in this species.

Redescription of Synthesium pontoporiae n. comb. with notes on S. tursionis and S. seymouri n. comb. (Digenea: Brachycladiidae Odhner, 1905).

Synthesium pontoporiae n. comb. is redescribed, together with Synthesium tursionis and Synthesium seymouri n. comb.; the parasites were obtained from stranded and accidentally caught cetaceans. The sucker ratio (ratio between widths of the oral and ventral suckers) in S. pontoporiae was 1:1.8-3.0 (mean 1:2.2); in S. tursionis was 1:0.8-1.2; and in S. seymouri was 1:0.5-0.7. Synthesium pontoporiae differed from its congeners by additional diagnostic characters, including: oval to lobed testes; small cirrus with pyriform proximal region and flexible, tubular distal region formed by evagination of ejaculatory duct; and vitellarium in small follicles extending from the level of the seminal vesicle to the posterior extremity of the body and not forming dendritic radial bunches. Data on the morphology of adult S. pontoporiae and S. tursionis were inferred from confocal laser microscopical observations.

Evaluation of Doppler ultrasonography for the measurement of blood flow in young loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).

The aim of this study was to identify ultrasound accessible blood vessels in the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and describe their Doppler waveform patterns, peak systolic velocity, mean velocity, systolic/diastolic ratio as well as pulsatility and resistive indices. B-mode, colour and pulsed-wave Doppler examinations were performed on 10 turtles. Flow measurements were recorded for the left and right aorta, epigastric and internal iliac arteries, and right hepatic vein. Additionally, the large blood vessels of three dead turtles were injected with latex and dissected for anatomical support. A parabolic flow velocity profile was observed in all arteries. The waveforms of the right and left aortic arteries showed an unusual pattern when compared with mammals. The hepatic vein flow velocity waveform of the loggerhead sea turtle was found to be similar to that in the dog, although the flow velocity in the C-wave was higher than that in the A-wave. The low resistance flow pattern observed suggests that the loggerhead sea turtle's organs require a continuous blood supply.

Fishhook lesions in loggerhead sea turtles.

This study describes four cases of loggerhead sea turtles with fishhooks in the gastrointestinal tract. Two dead turtles with a hook in the esophagus had local fibrosis with an invagination of the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium surrounding the hook, isolating it from the subjacent stroma, one had a hook in the cloaca which was expelled spontaneously, and one had plication of the intestine with necrosis caused by the long monofilament line attached to the hook lodged in the esophagus. Lethal injuries were related to the effect of strangulation and traction produced by the line throughout the gastrointestinal tract rather than the presence of the hook in the esophageal mucosa. Hook size, point of attachment to the gastrointestinal tract, the presence or not of a long monofilament line, and the traction applied by it could be crucial for turtle survival.

Radiographic features of the limbs of juvenile and subadult loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).

This study aimed to provide the normal radiographic anatomic appearance of the limbs of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Dorsopalmar and dorsoplantar radiographs were taken of the forelimbs and hindlimbs of 15 juvenile and 15 subadult loggerhead sea turtles, 17 alive and 13 dead. For comparison, computed tomographic, gross anatomic, osteologic, and histologic studies were performed on the limbs of 5 of the sea turtles. Bones from the distal part of the fore and hind flippers were seen in detail with a mammographic film-screen combination. The pectoral and pelvic girdles, superimposed by the carapace, were better seen on standard radiographs with the use of rare-earth intensifying screens. Mammographic radiographs of the manus of 5 small juvenile turtles showed active growth zones. Visualization of bone contours in the distal part of the limbs was clearer than in mammals owing to the very few superimpositions. The presence of a substantial amount of cartilage in the epiphyses produced better visibility of limb ends. We conclude that use of a mammography film-screen combination is the best way to evaluate the bony and joint structures of the limbs of sea turtles. Radiography provides reliable images for clinical purposes. Considering the low cost and logistics of this technique, it is a practical ancillary test for marine animal rehabilitation centers to use.

Cervical and coelomic radiologic features of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta.

Many investigators have undertaken radiologic studies in chelonians. However, descriptive papers focusing on the radiographic anatomy are limited to only a few species. The purpose of this article is to provide the normal cervical and coelomic radiographic appearance of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), in the dorsoventral view, and to indicate useful landmarks to identify internal anatomic structures. Dorsoventral radiographs were taken of the neck and body of 30 loggerhead sea turtles by means of analog and digital radiography. At various points, distortion or superimposition of images due to the natural curvature of the shell hindered the accuracy of interpretation. The pectoral and pelvic girdles were easily recognized. Important external landmarks included the vertebral and lateral scutes, and important internal landmarks included the bronchi, coracoid bones, the caudal border of the pulmonary fields, and the acetabulum.

Sectional anatomic and magnetic resonance imaging features of coelomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cross-sectional anatomic specimens with images obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the coelomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). ANIMALS: 5 clinically normal live turtles and 5 dead turtles. PROCEDURES: MRI was used to produce T1- and T2- weighted images of the turtles, which were compared with gross anatomic sections of 3 of the 5 dead turtles. The other 2 dead turtles received injection with latex and were dissected to provide additional cardiovascular anatomic data. RESULTS: The general view on the 3 oriented planes provided good understanding of cross-sectional anatomic features. Likewise, major anatomic structures such as the esophagus, stomach, lungs, intestine (duodenum and colon), liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, heart, bronchi, and vessels could be clearly imaged. It was not possible to recognize the ureters or reproductive tract. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By providing reference information for clinical use, MRI may be valuable for detailed assessment of the internal anatomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles. Drawbacks exist in association with anesthesia and the cost and availability of MRI, but the technique does provide excellent images of most internal organs. Information concerning structures such as the pancreas, ureters, intestinal segments (jejunum and ileum), and the reproductive tract is limited because of inconsistent visualization.

O sistema de conduçäo do coraçäo em mamíferos domésticos I-vascularizaçäo do nó e fascículo atrioventricular em bovinos da raça hereford / The cardiac conduction system in domestic mammals I-vascularity of the node and fascicle in hereford cattle

Tendo em vista a importância da vascularizaçao do Sistema de conduçao do coraçao e de informaçoes contraditórias existentes nas publicaçoes, dissecamos 50 coraçoes de bovinos da raça Hereford (25 machos e 25 fêmeas) injetados com neopreme Látex 450. Dividimos o território agrupado pelo Nó e Fascículo Atrioventriculares em três segmentos de igual tamanho e verificamos que o terço caudal e cranial deste Nó é irrigado pelo Ramus ventricularis dextri e o Fascículo é nutrido por este vaso e pelo primeiro Ramus septalis da A.coronaria dextra.