Esophago-Gastric Tube (EG Tube) in Debilitated Sea Turtle Rehabilitation: Insight in 195 Loggerheads Caretta caretta, Southern Italy

Abstract

Efficient nutritional support plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of sea turtles, ensuring a positive, swift, and successful recovery from clinical conditions for their reintroduction into the wild. For sea turtles in severely emaciated and underweight condition, the primary objective is to facilitate weight gain in terms of both muscle mass and fat reserves. Traditionally, many sea turtle rehabilitators have employed the practice of force-feeding, which also involves the daily insertion of an orogastric tube from the mouth to the stomach. However, this technique may be highly stressful for the animals, carrying the risks of regurgitation and potential harm, requiring the removal of the animal from the water, and subjecting it to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous handling. The procedure may also involve risks for operators. In this study, we explore the utilization of a permanent esophago-gastric tube (EG tube) in sea turtles as an alternative to force-feeding, providing a respectful and appropriate approach to meeting the nutritional needs of patients. The administration of food, essential medications, and fluids is performed directly with the turtle in its tank, minimizing the stress associated with handling, while ensuring the safety of operators. The study involves 195 marine turtles that underwent surgery for the placement of a permanent EG tube between 2008 and 2022. Of these, 116 animals were treated at the Sea Turtle Clinic of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Bari, South Adriatic Sea, Puglia (IT), and 79 patients were admitted to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center of Lampedusa, Central Mediterranean Sea, Sicily (IT). The loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) required EG tube placement due to their poor condition related to various diseases, which were systematically categorized. The duration of EG tube placement was analyzed regarding the specific condition of the animals and the nature of their injuries, considering any complications or differences between the two facilities. The results of the study will provide valuable information for the ongoing care and treatment of marine turtles in rehabilitation facilities.