Internal Infections ------------------- A wide variety of bacterial infections can occur. Multiple organ systems are often involved. Liver and/or kidney disease is is common because of the septic nature of turtle diseases and the filtering action of these two organs. Chronic hepatitis and chronic kidney disease (the latter resulting in gout from elevations of uric acid in the blood) are routinely seen. Infections of the heart are also common. Blood tests are useful for diagnosis of these and other problems.