Right hemithorax pneumonia in red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans, Wied-Neuwied, 1839)

A male red-eared slider (T. scripta elegans), weighing 779 g, was presented to the Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM), University of Zagreb. The owner noticed that the turtle was floating on its right side, and it looked more swollen than usual. Clinical examination revealed that the shell was unevenly developed and moderately deformed, and edema was observed in the prefemoral fossas. The X-ray examination revealed irregular shape of tubular bones, the carapace was moderately porous, and the lungs were dotted with shadowing in the right hemithorax which indicated right hemithorax pneumonia and metabolic bone disease. Biochemical analysis and hemogram were performed. After 5 weeks of supportive therapy, fluid replacement and treatment with antimicrobial preparations (marbofloxacin and ceftiofur), the turtle fully recovered. The manuscript aimed to present a diagnosis, care and treatment of right hemithorax pneumonia in red-eared slider.