Comparative radiographic and gross anatomic features of the gastrointestinal tract of the West African mud turtle (P. castaneus)

The West African mud turtle has recently become the focus of many investigative studies by virtue of its ubiquitous status and the reducing population and availability in Africa. The anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in this species has not been well studied and documented. This study attempts to examine and demonstrate a comparative gross and radiographic anatomy of this unique widely known but scarcely imaged turtle. Barium sulphate was used as contrast material for visualizing the GIT of the West African mud turtle, Pelusios castaneus. Radiographic findings were compared with gross anatomic findings of eight turtles (4 males and 4 females) and the different portions of the GIT were identified. The mean weight of the turtles was 0.81±0.37 kg. They lacked any visible anatomical defect and were fed a commercial fish based feed and allowed a daily swim for 2 hr. The findings showed that while parts of the digestive apparatus were similar to other reptiles and chelonians, P. castaneus lacks an oesophageal diverticulum but has grey papillae in the proximal oesophagus. In addition, the stomach lacked proximal and distal portions that have been described in some turtle species.