Banca de DEFESA: MARIA LUIZA SÁ DE LYRA FROTA

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : MARIA LUIZA SÁ DE LYRA FROTA
DATE: 24/02/2026
TIME: 09:00
LOCAL: Sala 105 do Departamento de Biologia
TITLE:

Clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and histopathological characterization of a colloid goiter outbreak in turtles of the genus Trachemys spp

KEY WORDS:

reptiles; metabolic-nutritional diseases; colloid goiter; turtle

PAGES: 58
BIG AREA: Ciências Agrárias
AREA: Medicina Veterinária
SUBÁREA: Patologia Animal
SPECIALTY: Patologia Clínica Animal
SUMMARY:

Metabolic-nutritional diseases are among the most frequently diagnosed in reptiles kept in captivity and should always be considered as a differential diagnosis for sick animals. To date, there are no reports in the literature on the occurrence of colloid goiter in Trachemys spp., nor on the clinical, morphological, hematological, and biochemical aspects associated with the condition in this species. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical, serum, ultrasonographic, and pathological aspects of an outbreak of colloid goiter in Trachemys spp. kept under human care. The described outbreak occurred in a zoological collection located in the Zona da Mata region of Recife, Pernambuco. Clinical and ultrasonographic examinations were performed on six individuals, in addition to the evaluation of hematological, plasma biochemical, and serum hormonal parameters. Animals that died naturally during the monitoring months were necropsied, and samples were collected for histopathological evaluation. Clinically, the turtles presented with elevated body condition scores, lethargy, shell deformities, and increased cervical volume. Ultrasound revealed morphological alterations of the thyroid gland in four of the six individuals. Serum biochemistry demonstrated an imbalance in calcium and phosphorus levels. Hormone levels showed wide variation in thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine levels, with some animals presenting values compatible with hypothyroidism. Necropsy of four animals that died spontaneously revealed diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of colloid goiter, characterized by follicular irregularity and colloid distension, with areas of epithelial proliferation and mild inflammatory infiltrate. The findings indicate a strong association of the outbreak with chronic nutritional imbalance, possibly related to iodine deficiency and/or ingestion of goitrogenic substances, reinforcing the importance of proper dietary management and endocrine monitoring in chelonians kept in captivity. This study contributes to the understanding of thyroid alterations in chelonians and reinforces the importance of knowledge regarding the diagnosis of metabolic-nutritional disorders in the clinical practice of reptiles kept in captivity.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Interno - FABIO DE SOUZA MENDONCA
Externo à Instituição - SILVIO MIGUEL CASTILLO FONSECA
Externa à Instituição - TELMA DE SOUSA LIMA - UECE