Comparison between several sexing methods in Emys orbicularis and other reptiles for reintroduction programs for conservation

Endoscopy in exotic species is one of the most important diagnostic procedure, its powerful is yet to be completely known and its use is continually increasing in all exotic pets; especially in birds and reptiles. Between these two classes, birds have been intensively studied and it has been demonstrated that they are perfect endoscopic patients. Reptiles, instead, are not as known as birds for endoscopic procedures, but the importance that endoscopy have in birds could be as well in reptiles. Indeed, most species of these two classes are small, especially if compared with other domestic pets, and the most important characteristic of endoscopy is to magnify the image to allow to see also very small structures. Minimally invasive procedures are the way to perform surgery in these species. Endoscopy, compared with other diagnostic techniques, allows the direct visualization of the organs. Other diagnostic imaging procedures (x rays, ultrasound, CT scan…), often, aren’t able to provide enough information for a precise diagnose, especially in for coelomic organ. As already demonstrated, endoscopy provides an optimal visualization of the coelomic cavity, that could be direct or indirect (transvescical); in some animals this method could be the only pre mortem that allows the visualisation of the lesions and that permit to have an antemortem diagnosis. Furthermore, endoscopy allows to take biological samples (biopsies, microbiology…). The PhD candidate tried to standardize, especially, the cloacoscopic investigation of the internal organs, with the goal to recognize the powerful and the limits of this procedure.