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Natura Croatica Issue number: Natura Croatica, Vol. 29 Suppl.1

Normal ultrasonographic features of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) eyes

Authors: Giuseppina Mennonna, Barbara Lamagna, Andrea Affuso, Adelaide Greco, Fabiana Micieli, Dario Constanza, Sandra Hochscheid, Leonardo Meomartino

Authors and affiliation

  • Giuseppina Mennonna Interdepartmental Centre of Veterinary Radiology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
  • Barbara Lamagna Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
  • Andrea Affuso Marine Turtle Research Center, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy
  • Adelaide Greco Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
  • Fabiana Micieli Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
  • Dario Constanza Interdepartmental Centre of Veterinary Radiology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
  • Sandra Hochscheid Marine Turtle Research Center, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055 Portici, Italy
  • Leonardo Meomartino Interdepartmental Centre of Veterinary Radiology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy

Abstract

The Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea but, like other sea turtles, it is considered a threatened species. Improving anatomical knowledge on normal aspects of the species is important for correct diagnosis and proper therapy and, therefore, for improving the chances of a complete recovery and a fast reintroduction into the wild for a greater number of sea turtle bycatch and other mishaps. For this reason, 15 Loggerhead turtles, with clinically healthy eyes, were submitted to ocular ultrasonographic (US) examinations. The US exam was quick, non-invasive, and simple to perform and permitted researchers to assess all the ocular features.

Keywords

Loggerhead, sea turtle, eye, ultrasound, biometric Mennonna, G., Lamagna, B., Affuso, A., Greco, A., Micieli, F., Costanza, D., Hochscheid, S. &

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