In the past, it used to be common practice to only inject in the forelimbs. It was suggested that IM injections in the rear limbs would be filtered by the kidneys and could be toxic. However, forelimb and hind limb injections

are equivocal and many vets that practice with turtles on a daily basis are accepting this method and thru equal results. As a rehabilitator, that injects turtles daily, this is becoming more the norm than the past myth. Here are some references:



Holz P, Barker IK, Burger JP, Crawshaw GJ, Conlon PD: The effect of the renal

portal system on pharmacokinetic parameters inthe red-fared slider (Trachemys

scripta elegans). J.Zoo.Wildlife.Med. 1997;V28:386-393.



Holz P, Barker IK, Crawshaw GJ, Dobson H: The anatomy and perfusion of the renal

portal system in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).

J.Zoo.Wildlife.Med. 1997;V28:378-385.



Holz P, The reptilian Renal portal system and its effect on drug kinetics.

D.V.Sc. dissertation, Univ. of Guelph, 1994



Holtz P, Chapter 32: Reptilian Renal Portal System: Influence on Therapy. In:

Fowler, ME and Miller, RE (eds) Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine: Current Therapy 4,

W.B. Saunders 1999



Beck K, Loomis M, Lewbart G, Spelman L, Papich M: Preliminary comparison of

plasma concentrations of gentamicin injected into the cranial and caudal limb

musculature of the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina).

J.Zoo.Wildlife.Med. 1995;V26:265-268.



Benson KG, Forrest LJ: Characterization Of The Renal Portal System Of The Common

Green Iguana (Iguana Iguana) With Digital Subtraction Imaging.

J.Zoo.Wildlife.Med. In Ppess













Posted by: kensopher at Thu Jul 31 18:16:27 2008 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ]



A prolapse can have many causes...almost too numerous to list. You really should call the Vet. back about that. One very common cause is a calcium deficiency.



Injections commonly must be given in either the front or rear legs due to their location on the body relative to the kidneys. It isn't for fear of hitting organs, but because turtles process chemicals in a very unique way. It would take a very, very long time to explain. Basically, it has to do with the method by which the chemicals are metabolized by the turtle's body. Maybe someone else can offer a brief description. It is very interesting
Massachusetts Turtle Rescue

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