PATIENT OF THE WEEK
Sonoran Mud Turtle
This Sonoran Mud Turtle arrived at Tucson Wildlife Center in critical condition, suffering from severe bilateral eye swelling, crusting ocular discharge, a corneal ulcer in the left eye, thick caseous plaques in the oral and nasal cavity, fragile red skin around the face, and respiratory distress. With such a wide range of symptoms, possible causes included terrapin herpesvirus or severe Vitamin A deficiency.
Fortunately, herpes PCR testing came back negative—an important result, as a positive test would have meant lifelong carrier status, making release impossible. Treatment focused on supportive care, including fluids, eye medications, debriding the oral plaques, and antibiotics for secondary infections. Just as important was providing an optimal rehabilitation environment, with filtered water, UV lighting, Vitamin A supplementation, and live fish to stimulate feeding behavior.
Despite the severity of her condition, this turtle showed an incredible will to live—catching live fish within just a few days of her arrival at TWC. Her journey wasn’t without setbacks, but her resilience carried her through. We are thrilled to report that she fully recovered and was recently released back into the wild! (See video.)
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