Nyctotherus sp. infection in pet turtle: a case report

Abstract

The present clinical case represents the successful therapeutic management of Nyctotherus sp. protozoan infection in turtles. Two pet turtles were presented with history of diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss and passage of undigested food in the faeces. Direct faecal examination and Giemsa staining revealed the presence of cysts of Nyctotherus sp. Treatment was initiated with antiprotozoal drug, Metronidazole at the rate of 25 mg/kg body weight per-oral consecutively for 5 days, and Vimeral suspension at rate of 10–20 mg/kg per-oral for 8 days. After 10 days of intensive care and management with antiprotozoal drug, multivitamin under proper sanitary measures, the case showed gradual improvement in condition. During medication, the fecal samples were checked on every alternative day for the presence of ciliated trophozoites of Nyctotherus sp. After 4th day, there was no trophozoites observed by both the techniques examined and the animal was quite healthy and active and started taking food. Improvement was noticed with resumption of normal appetite. Incessant patient monitoring and initiation of suitable need based therapeutic strategy is most important in management and control of Nyctotherus sp. infection.