Shree, an otherwise active red-eared slider turtle, had suddenly become lethargic, stopped eating, and began straining repeatedly
The turtle, named Shree, had been struggling for 1-2 months before the intervention but is now on the path to recovery, Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement
Pune veterinarians have successfully saved the life of an egg-bound turtle in a rare surgery that helped them remove four fully formed eggs.
They performed a laparoscopic surgery on the turtle suffering from chronic egg-binding syndrome which is severe egg retention; an enlarged liver, and hemoglobin deficiency, giving her a new lease of life.
The doctors say this is one of the first laparoscopic egg-bound surgeries performed in India. One where mechanical ventilation with the GE 620 Carestation and sevoflurane gas anesthesia was successfully utilised.
The rare procedure was led by veterinary surgeon Dr Narendra Pardeshi, who along with his team, skillfully removed four fully formed eggs.
The turtle, named Shree, had been struggling for 1-2 months before the intervention but is now on the path to recovery, active, alert, and showing steady signs of healing.
Shree, an otherwise active red-eared slider turtle, had suddenly become lethargic, stopped eating, and began straining repeatedly. Her worried pet parents, the Namdeo family based in Somatane, near Talegaon, noticed swelling near her vent and growing restlessness. “It was heartbreaking to see Shree like that,” her pet parent shared, continuing, “The turtle had always been full of life, and suddenly she looked so weak and helpless. She was trying hard to push the eggs out, but it was difficult for her. Watching her struggle without being able to help was truly painful."
The turtle was then taken to the Small Animal Clinic, her tests revealed she was suffering from egg-binding, a condition where turtles are unable to pass eggs naturally. An ultrasound also showed an enlarged liver and fully formed eggs, while blood tests pointed to low hemoglobin levels.
Initial attempts to induce egg expulsion with Epidocin injection were unsuccessful. She was hand-fed and monitored closely. A pre-surgical blood test was performed after the failed attempt to induce labor. Since Shree had stopped eating, she was hand-fed to maintain her strength. An ultrasound was also carried out to assess liver swelling and confirm the presence of retained eggs. The ultrasound of Shree’s abdomen revealed an enlarged liver and multiple shell-formed eggs, confirming egg-binding. Her heart was functioning normally, which was a positive sign ahead of surgery. However, blood tests showed a hemoglobin deficiency, so a few medications were prescribed to stabilise her condition before proceeding with the operation.
Dr Pardeshi explained, “Shree’s surgery was scheduled on July 21 using laparoscopy, which is a less invasive and safer method. She was carefully intubated and given oxygen along with anesthesia to keep her comfortable throughout the procedure. She weighed 1.5 kg. Her vitals were monitored using a BP Doppler and SPO2 sensor. To keep her warm, a heating pad was placed underneath. During the surgery, the oviduct (fallopian tube is a tube-like structure that extends from the uterus to the ovary, was gently accessed through a small incision near her right hind leg, and four fully formed eggs were removed. After that, the oviduct and skin were stitched carefully, and there was no need to cut the shell. Shree recovered within an hour, which was a great relief. She was advised to have 3 to 5 days of post-operative injections to help her heal well. Usually, in such cases, the shell has to be cut to remove the eggs. After surgery, it takes 6-8 months for the shell to heal and reform, which is very risky as turtles stay and eat in water, thus increasing the chances of waterborne infection. She’s a strong little turtle, and we’re very happy with how she’s bouncing back."
Dr Pardeshi further added, “We noticed a clear improvement after the surgery. Shree was active and alert, which was a very encouraging sign. Her gums were slightly pale, but there was minimal oozing from the surgical site, which meant healing had begun well. We started her on multivitamins and mineral injections on alternate days for five doses to help improve her blood levels. Along with that, she was given oral supplements to support her recovery. We also advised applying antiseptic ointment to the surgical area to prevent any risk of infection. She’s doing well, is active and alert, which is a big improvement from her condition before surgery. There’s been tremendous progress in her mobility, eating habits. It’s heartening to see her bounce back, responding positively to the treatment and care, and we’re optimistic about her continued recovery. Since Shree was on mechanical ventilation, she recovered within one hour after completion of surgery and was discharged.”
"We were so scared seeing Shree in pain and unable to eat or move properly. The clinic explained everything clearly and took amazing care of her. I’m deeply thankful to Dr Narendra Pardeshi and the entire team, including Reena Haribhat, Ankita, Asmi Pardeshi, and Aparna Phansalkar, for saving her. She’s active again and eating well, it feels like we have her back,” shared Shree’s relieved pet parent, Mrs Namdeo.
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