Contrast Radiography in Zarudni’s Spur-Thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca zarudnyi) by Gastrografin®

Abstract

Objective- In this study, the general anatomical features of the digestive tube and the transit time of the digestive tube of the Zarudni’s spur-thighed tortoises were examined by contrast radiology.Design - Experimental study.Animals - 4 adult female Zarudni’s spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca zarudnyi).Procedures- At a temperature of 25-27°c a set of dorsoventral radiograph was taken to locate the Gastrografin position.Results- The normal gastric, small intestine and large intestine anatomy were obtained and the mean gastric, small intestine and large intestine transit times were 0.2 hr, 2.1 hr, and 27 hr, respectively. Our results showed some differences in the gastrointestinal transit time with that of other species.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- The noninvasive diagnostic imaging techniques provide detailed information concerning gastrointestinal tract. Since there have not been any anatomical and radiological studies on this species in Iran, results of this study can use as a reference in this species.