Carapace fracture management in Indian star tortoise

Abstract

Carapace fracture in Indian star tortoise was commonly encountered followed by accident/ falling down from a height. Two cases were presented with fracture carapace; one of that had accidental injury, whereas second had falling down history. X-ray examination was carried out to rule out further abnormalities, but both cases had no any internal abnormalities detected. Carapace fracture management was carried out under isoflurane inhalant gaseous anaesthesia, where induction of anaesthesia in both cases were achieved by putting them in gaseous chamber till anaesthetized. Fracture reduction was carried out by placing orthopaedic screws up to the depth of carapace and applied tension band wiring on orthopaedic screws. Epoxy adhesive solution was applied on external fracture ridge after reduction of fractured carapace to avoid environmental contamination. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs were offered orally for 7 days. Tension band wiring and orthopaedic screws were removed after 35 days.