yet another question

[M Whilden]

M Whilden

October 8, 2007 at 1:42 pm #25297

Another observation/quandary is prolapsed cloacae. I_ve heard researchers describe the condition only in female terrapins. However, we observed and photographed the condition in male terrapins. These males came off the market and were harvested in Dec 05/06. There is some speculation that the abrupt changes induced by harvest causes this, similar to expelled swim bladders in some fish when harvested and abruptly pulled from the depths to the surface. In terrapins, prolapsed cloacae may have more to do with exposure to abrupt temperature change or interrupted brumation. Other researchers have indicated that they believe the prolapsed cloacae is a response to nesting, i.e. found during active periods, and therefore limited to female terrapins. Can_t say. However, in our observations of a harvested/recovered cohort, when prolapsed terrapins are immediately placed in water, protected, and swim around a bit, in most cases, the tissue retracts on its own. If the tissue starts to atrophy or harden, complete retraction may not occur. Thoughts – feedback?

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