Meeting Abstract

P2.18  Friday, Jan. 4  Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry as a non-invasive tool for the prediction of bone density and body composition of turtles STONE, M.D.*; ARJMANDI, B.; LOVERN, M.B.; Oklahoma State University; Florida State University; Oklahoma State University matt.stone@okstate.edu

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a non-destructive technique used to measure bone density and body composition. Although the ability of this tool to accurately estimate body composition has been validated for mammals, it has not been tested in reptiles, with the exception of snakes. This study examined the precision and effectiveness of DEXA in predicting bone density and body composition in turtles. The accuracy of DEXA was established by comparing DEXA estimates of body composition to estimates determined by traditional, destructive techniques. The body composition variables assessed in this study were lean tissue mass, fat mass, and bone mineral content. We developed predictive models that can be used to determine body composition from DEXA measurements. Additionally, because the accuracy of DEXA results are influenced by the movement of test subjects during scanning, this study also compared the effects of three different techniques of immobilization (anesthesia, cooling, and euthanasia) on DEXA body composition estimates. We found a strong relationship between DEXA body composition estimates and those determined by traditional methods, suggesting that DEXA can be an effective tool for predicting most body composition variables. One exception is fat mass, where a poor relationship was found between the two methods of estimation. DEXA estimates were also significantly influenced by the method used to immobilize subjects. This suggests that DEXA users should consider the method used to immobilize subjects during scanning and its potential effects on estimates of body composition.