Acupuncture and Moxa in the Treatment of Severe Osteoarthritis in the Scapulohumeral Joint of a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas)

摘要

Pickles is a rescued and non releasable green sea turtle cared for by the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas. Pickles' age is unknown but she has been with the Aquarium for more than twenty years. After keepers noticed Pickles was not usingher right front flipper radiographs indicated a fracture in the proximal humerus. CBC and Chemistries were normal. Four months later a CT scan revealed severe osteolytic changes in the shoulder. Fine needle aspirant of shoulder joint and bone biopsy aswell as culture and sensitivities were all normal. Pickles had not been using her flipper now for six months. Aquapuncture with vitamin B 12 and Moxibustion were initiated. Pickles was returned to the tank after the initial acupuncture and Moxa treatmentand she immediately began using her right front flipper. Pickles receives additional treatment as necessary to keep her activity levels normal.