I was doing a journal search and this is the first reported case of INC. 1994 by the world renowned Dr. Elliott Jacobson at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
Intranuclear coccidiosis in radiated tortoises (Geochelone radiata)
J Zoo Wildl Med. March 1994;25(1):95-102.
Elliott R Jacobson1; Juergen Schumacher; Sam R Telford, 2nd; Ellis C Greiner; Claus D Buergelt; Chris H Gardiner
Article Abstract
Two juvenile radiated tortoises, Geochelone radiata, maintained in an outdoor enclosure in north-central Florida with four other radiated tortoises, were examined because of anorexia and lethargy. Hematologic and plasma biochemical evaluations indicated a mild to severe anemia, elevated white blood cell counts, hyponatremia, hyperuricosemia, and hyperglycemia. Both tortoises were considered near death and were euthanized. Histologic examination of multiple tissues revealed nephritis, hepatitis, enteritis, and pancreatitis. Light microscopic examination revealed an intranuclear protozoan in renal epithelial cells, hepatocytes, pancreatic acinar cells, and duodenal epithelial cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed developmental stages of an intranuclear coccidian parasite. This report is the first of an intranuclear coccidian in a chelonian. Oocysts could not be identified in feces of cagemates or tortoises from the originating breeding family. Identification to genus could not be made, and the source of infection could not be determined.
Intranuclear coccidiosis in radiated tortoises (Geochelone radiata)
J Zoo Wildl Med. March 1994;25(1):95-102.
Elliott R Jacobson1; Juergen Schumacher; Sam R Telford, 2nd; Ellis C Greiner; Claus D Buergelt; Chris H Gardiner
Article Abstract
Two juvenile radiated tortoises, Geochelone radiata, maintained in an outdoor enclosure in north-central Florida with four other radiated tortoises, were examined because of anorexia and lethargy. Hematologic and plasma biochemical evaluations indicated a mild to severe anemia, elevated white blood cell counts, hyponatremia, hyperuricosemia, and hyperglycemia. Both tortoises were considered near death and were euthanized. Histologic examination of multiple tissues revealed nephritis, hepatitis, enteritis, and pancreatitis. Light microscopic examination revealed an intranuclear protozoan in renal epithelial cells, hepatocytes, pancreatic acinar cells, and duodenal epithelial cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed developmental stages of an intranuclear coccidian parasite. This report is the first of an intranuclear coccidian in a chelonian. Oocysts could not be identified in feces of cagemates or tortoises from the originating breeding family. Identification to genus could not be made, and the source of infection could not be determined.