AssetID: 55539506
Headline: 109-year-old tortoise undergoes CT scan after keepers spot concerning changes
Caption: A beloved 109-year-old tortoise has undergone a delicate medical procedure after zookeepers noticed worrying changes in her health. Esmerelda, a cherished resident of Taronga Zoo Sydney and believed to be the zoo’s longest-standing inhabitant, was carefully transported to a specialist veterinary hospital after staff spotted swelling along the side of her neck. Keepers had also observed subtle but concerning changes to her behaviour, including shifts in her eating habits and unusual breathing sounds. The elderly Aldabra Giant Tortoise was taken to specalist animal hospital SASH North Ryde, where specialists carried out advanced diagnostic procedures including a CT scan and endoscopy to investigate the cause of the symptoms. The scans allow veterinarians to create detailed three-dimensional images of the body and examine internal structures without the need for invasive surgery. Using a tiny camera known as an endoscope, vets were able to closely inspect Esmerelda’s throat, food pipe and airways during the procedure. The complex operation was led by Taronga Veterinarian Dr Kresen Pillay, alongside specialist imaging, medicine and anaesthesia teams. “Given Esmerelda’s remarkable age, proactive and preventative health care is essential,” Dr Pillay said. “Aldabra Giant Tortoises are an incredibly resilient species, but like any ageing animal, they can develop conditions that require detailed diagnostic imaging. The CT scan and endoscopy provide us with invaluable information to guide her ongoing treatment plan.” Moving a reptile that weighs more than 135 kilograms required meticulous planning. After being given light sedation to keep her calm, Esmerelda was lifted using a specially designed support sling before being transported to the hospital. Once there, she was placed under general anaesthetic so veterinarians could safely perform the scans. Initial results from the imaging revealed that part of the tortoise’s food pipe has widened, causing food to collect and empty more slowly than normal. Specialists are now reviewing the findings and assessing her overall health before confirming a detailed treatment plan. Following the procedure, the much-loved tortoise returned home to Taronga Zoo Sydney, where she is now recovering under the close watch of her dedicated keepers. Aldabra Giant Tortoises are native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and are among the longest-living animals on Earth. Some individuals are known to surpass 150 years of age.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,Taronga Zoo Sydney,Esmerelda tortoise,Aldabra giant tortoise,109-year-old tortoise,zoo veterinary care,CT scan tortoise,endoscopy reptile,SASH North Ryde,giant tortoise health
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