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Metabolic and respiratory status of cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)

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Abstract

“Cold-stunning” of sea turtles has been reported as a naturally occurring stressor for many years; however, the physiologic status of cold-stunned turtles has only been partially described. This study investigated initial and convalescent venous blood gas, acid-base, and critical plasma biochemical data for 26 naturally cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) from Cape Cod, MA, USA. Samples were analyzed for pH, pCO2, pO2, bicarbonate, plasma osmolality, sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, ionized magnesium, glucose, lactate, and blood urea nitrogen using a clinical point-of-care analyzer. Data were corrected for the patient’s body temperature using both species-specific and more general correction methods. In general, venous blood gas, acid-base, and plasma biochemical data obtained for surviving cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were consistent with previously documented data for sea turtles exposed to a wide range of temperatures and physiologic stressors. Data indicated that turtles were initially affected by metabolic and respiratory acidosis. Initial pH-corrected ionized calcium concentrations were lower than convalescent concentrations, and initial pH-corrected ionized magnesium concentrations were higher than convalescent concentrations.

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Acknowledgments

Diagnostic blood collection from sea turtles at the New England Aquarium is performed with authorization of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. We thank the staff and volunteers of the Rescue and Rehabilitation Department and Animal Health Department of the New England Aquarium, and the Massachusetts Audubon Wellfleet Sanctuary for turtle recovery and care. We thank Elizabeth Small for helpful insight on temperature-correction formulas. The editorial comments of Dr. John Mandelman improved this manuscript.

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  1. New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA, 02110, USA

    Charles J. Innis, Michael Tlusty, Constance Merigo & E. Scott Weber

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  1. Charles J. Innis
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  2. Michael Tlusty
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  3. Constance Merigo
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  4. E. Scott Weber
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Correspondence to Charles J. Innis.

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Communicated by H.V. Carey.

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Innis, C.J., Tlusty, M., Merigo, C. et al. Metabolic and respiratory status of cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). J Comp Physiol B 177, 623–630 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-007-0160-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-007-0160-9

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