Lead poisoning and intestinal perforations in a snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) due to fishing gear ingestion.

An adult male snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) was presented to the Tufts Wildlife Clinic with generalized weakness and limited ability to walk. A fishing hook was lodged in the corner of its mouth, monofilament line trailed from its cloaca, and radiography revealed that the turtle had ingested two additional hooks and a large sinker. The hemogram showed leukocytosis. At exploratory celiotomy, the fishing line was seen to have acted as a linear foreign body and had perforated the intestines. Multiple enterotomies were performed to remove the sinker and line, and perforations were repaired. Two of the hooks could not be surgically or endoscopically retrieved. Blood lead concentration was 3.6 ppm prior to start of chelation therapy with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and declined to undetectable levels within 6 wk. The turtle recovered and was released.