Sea Turtle Patient - Gilda
Species: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)
Release Date: May 12, 2010
Stranding Date: October 8, 2008
Stranding Location: Port Everglades
Initial Weight: 198lbs.
Injury: Severe Boat Propeller Injuries
Admission Note:
This adult Loggerhead appears to have suffered a propeller injury to both flippers along with injuries to her head and neck. After careful evaluation of her injuries we sumize that she may have been sucked in by the prop of a large boat/ship in the reverse position. Her injuries include the traumatic amputation of her front right flipper at the mid radius ulnar and an open mid radial ulnar fracture of the left flipper. She also has a deep gash to the right side of her neck and tip of her nose. Bloodwork shows the need for a blood transfusion which will take place in the next 24 hours. Arrangements are being made for Gilda's surgery and a specialist is being brought in to place plates on her fractures. Our Veterinarian, Dr. Nancy Mettee will amputate the remaining right flipper and stitch the neck wound. Barring complications we are quite hopeful that Gilda will make a full recovery and will return to the ocean as fully functioning reproductive female.
Progress Notes:
3/4/2010: Good news from Clearwater. Gilda is eating well, swimming great and very active. She is eating 1 lb. of squid, 1/2 lb. of cappelin and 1/2 lb. of sardines each day. She no longer tip toes on the bottom of the tank but swims the majority of the time. Due to the recent cold stun event Gilda had to be transferred to a smaller tank than the one she was originally placed in when she arrived at Clearwater. She will be returned to the 20 ft. tank in the near future to complete her physical therapy. Her flipper is growing stronger and we hope to see her return to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for release sometime in May. We would again like to thank the staff and volunteers at Clearwater Marine Aquarium for their help in rehabilitating Gilda.
Progress Note 1/1/2010: Excellent News from Clearwater today. Gilda is eating better and very active. We are excited to learn that her appetite has returned. She will be pulled to be weighed sometime this week and I will post that info as soon as I receive it. We would like to thank everyone for supporting our efforts to get Gilda back in the ocean.
Progress Note 12/22/09: Clearwater has updated us on Gilda's progress. She seems to be very active in her new surroundings but not very interested in food. We are hopeful that she will begin to eat a min. of one kilo a day as soon as she becomes acclimated and settles into her new environment. We will be keeping a close watch on her weight and eating habits.
Progress Note 12/17/09: Gilda was transferred to The Clearwater Marine Aquarium today by LMC ambulance. The trip took 4 1/2 hours and Gilda did fine. When we reached Clearwater she was weighed and placed in a 20 foot wide by 4 foot deep tank. Gilda was calm and swam gracefully for about and hour before we left to come back to the east coast. She will remain at Clearwater for physical therapy and evaluation for release for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Gilda will return to the LMC for release when she can dive, forage and swim for long periods without stress.
Progress Note 12/14/09: It is official. Gilda's transfer has been approved and she will be going to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Wed. morning. The transfer to a 20' tank will allow her to do additional physical therapy and help us evaluate her for release. Gilda will need to swim for long periods of time, dive and forage on her own to be released. When we feel she is ready for release Gilda will return to the LMC and be released on the beach behind the facility. We will keep you posted on Gilda's progress while she is away. GO GILDA !!!
Progress Note 11/16/09: What an incredible, strong animal is what comes to mind as I write updates on Gilda. I can't say that in my 8yrs or so working with these animals that I have seen a turtle that has endured and pressed on through injury, pain and now physical therapy. Gilda continues to push, or swim, through her daily therapy sessions which are slowly lengthening in duration. Sessions began at 10 minute lengths and have increased to 20 minutes in less than a months time. Her strength is slowly increasing as we motivate her with food and rewards. Gilda's fans stand beside her tank each day and cheer her on as she swims in her excercise harness. As with humans in physical therapy, Gilda has her days when she does not want to do therapy at all. But even on these days she still gives us some period of workout. We have begun measuring Gilda's pull strength on a weekly basis to monitor her progress. She is currently pulling at an average rate of 25 pounds and has hit 30 on ocassion. Her progress is slow but these sessions not only work her remaining flipper but also her lung capacity. If you visit the center and are lucky you may have the chance to see Gilda during a therapy session... it's quite an experience. Go GILDA !!! Current weight 92.50 kgs., 203.50 lbs.
Progress Note 10/21/09: Gilda is slowly building strength in the remaining front flipper. We continue to provide daily therapy and will soon be measuring her pull strength on a weekly basis. Current weight: 92.45 kgs. 203.39 lbs.
Progress Note 10/5/09: Current weight : 90.95 kgs. 200.09 lbs.
Progress Note10/2/09: Gilda has become more accustom to her new exercise harness. She will be receiving daily physical therapy using the harmess to strengthen her remaining flippers.
Progress Note 9/25/09: Gilda began a new form of physical therapy today to help strengthen her remaining flippers. Each day she will be placed in a harness with expandable bands that will be held by hospital staff and trained volunteers. Gilda will swim in the harness, expanding the bands, which will force her to use the remaining flippers. She did very well today considering this was a new experience for her. These physical therapy sessions will begin at 10 minutes once daily and increase in time as she becomes stronger.
Progress Note 8/19/09: Current weight: 91.6 kgs. 201.52 lbs.
Progress Note 8/3/09: Current weight: 91.1 kgs. 200.42 lbs.
Progress Note 7/25/09: Awaiting transport date to Mote Marine for physical therapy in a larger deeper tank. Gilda's wound continues to heal slowly. This turtle is one incerdible turtle!!! Transport could be anyday..come and visit while she is still with us...
Progress Note 7/8/09: Details are being finalized for Gilda's transfer to Mote Marine Laboratories for physical therapy. She will make the trip sometime in the next few weeks so that we can observe her in a deeper, wider tank. This will also help Gilda strengthen the remaining flipper and help us decide if she will be strong enough to survive in the Ocean. If all goes well when she has completed her therapy at Mote Gilda will return to the MLC for release.
Progress Note 6/9/09: The defect in Gilda's flipper has been filling in with scar tissue and constricting down so that now it is less than 0.5 cm and no longer goes all the way through. Gilda's primary concern at this time is physical therapy to strengthen her remaining flipper and get her ready for release in as good a shape as possible. This will necessitate coordination with Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. They have offered to place Gilda in one of their large dolphin tanks to allow her to exercise more effectively. Once she is as fit as possible she will be returned to Juno Beach and released from our shore.
Progress Note 5/4/09: Current weight 98.1 kg. 215.82 lbs.
Progress Note 4/20/09: Current weight 97.9kg. 215.38 lbs.
Progress Note 4/14/09: Gilda IN DEEP WATER !!! We have raised Gilda's water level and she seems to be quite content. She can eat food off the bottom of her tank and come back up for air with out distress. This is a milestone for Gilda and another step towards recovery. She will still have to strengthen that remaining flipper to be released into the ocean.
Progress Note 4/11/09: Gilda's left flipper wound is healing but it is healing with a defect. This is causing the flipper to be weakened. She currently has inadequate strength in the flipper. On a positive note Gilda continues to eat on her own and is gaining weight. Current weight: 98.4kgs. 216.48 lbs.
Progress Note 3/12/09: GREAT NEWS !!! GILDA EATS !!! After five (5) months of rehabilitation and three (3) months of being fed through an esophageal feeding tube, Gilda ate on her own yesterday. She consumed 250 grams of sardines yesterday and aprox. 500 grams of sardines and tuna today. This was a giant stride in the right direction for recovery, as nutritional support is key in wound healing.
Progress Note 3/6/09: Current weight: 93.8 kg. 206.36 lbs.
Progress Note 3/2/09: We continue to offer food to Gilda on a daily basis but she has not yet eaten on her own. She has once again developed an infection in the flipper and will begin another course of antibiotics.
Progress Note 2/12/09: Gilda had her feeding tube removed today. We will offer her squid, tuna, lobster and live food such as shrimp and craps each day with the hope that she will begin to eat on her own. The wound from the feeding tube looks good and should heal fine. If she does not begin to eat in the next few weeks we will have to replace the feeding under anesthesia. She continues her physical therapy daily. Current weight 96 kg.
Progress Note 2/5/09: Gilda's most recent culture shows new infection at the flipper wound site. Her antibiotics have been adjusted to treat the infections. She continues to gain weight and is now being tube fed every other day in an effort to get her to eat on her own. She continues physical therapy on a daily basis.
Progress Note 1/21/09: Gilda was moved to a tank that has a little more shade protection this past weekend in an effort to help prevent algae growth on her carapace. We have begun some mild physical therapy with Gilda. Raising her water level about a foot for aprox. one hour each day and directing her water flow counter clockwise to create a gentle whirlpool. This will encourage Gilda to swim against the current using her remaining front flipper which will promote blood circulation, healing and strengthening. So far she is doing well and responding to her anibiotic treatments. Gilda continues to receive her meds and daily feedings through a feeding tube.
Progress Note1 /14/09: Gilda continues to be fed through a feeding tube but she has shown some interest in the crab and shrimp that have been put in her tank. She has recently been seen following them around the tank and until this past week or so she has shown no interest in them at all. It is our hope that she will eventually start to eat on her own. We have discontinued one of Gilda's antibiotics which is a good sign. She is currently only receiving one antibiotic each day in the feeding tube with her 160cc of Hills Presciption Diet A/D which is a high caloric puree food. She is gaining weight at a nice pace and making slow improvement.
Surgical Note 12/23/08: Gilda was in the OR again today to have her wounds debrided. While she was under anesthesia the plates that were surgically implanted during her first surgery were removed from the injured flipper. Dr. Mettee removed dead bone during the procedure and packed the wound with silverlon before closing. She was dry docked for the night and will continue an antibiotic regimine. She continues to be fed A/D high calorie food through an esophageal feeding tube on a daily basis and is gaining weight. We are hopeful that she will begin to eat on her own in the near future. Gilda will be returned to her tank on Wednesday morning.
Progress Note 12/16/08: Current weight 99 kg. (217.8 lbs.)
Progress Note 11/28/08: Gilda's condition remains the same. She has not eaten anymore food from the tongs and she continues to receive her daily A/D feedings and meds through her feeding tube. This past week Gilda was dewormed, also through her tube and received a round of injectable vitamins. We continue to monitor condition her very close.
Progress Note 11/15/08: Gilda's status remains about the same. Dr. Mette repacketed her wounds with Silverlon on Thursday and she continues to receive her food through a feeding tube daily. Her meds are also being administered though the tube now to alleviate daily injections.
Progress Note 11/11/08: The top of Gilda's remaining flipper now has good apposition, but the bottom still has a gap present. She has infection with multiple bacteria and yeast that are being treated with antimicrobials. She continues to recieve daily feedings through the esophageal tube that was placed last week to allow for improved nutritional support. The tube is working well and allows us to now feed her daily without having to remove her from the tank. Her condition remains guarded due to her severe infection.
Progress Note 11/06/08: Gilda was given a loading dose of anifungal medication for her infection which should start to bring it under control. We will resume the medication on a daily basis in one week.
Progress Note 11/3/08: Gilda remains in guarded condition. This morning Gilda's bandages were removed and she was returned to her tank with the assistance of caring staff and volunteers. After she settled down she received her first tube feeding of A/D through the esophageal feeding tube that was placed Sunday while she was in the OR. Gilda tolerated the initial feeding well. We will feed her Hills Prescription Diet A/D on a daily basis and it is our hope that the combination of the tube feedings, the anti-fungal and antibiotics, in addition to the recent debridement will start Gilda on a new road to recovery.
Progress Note 11/2/08: Gilda was back in the OR again this morning. Dr. Mette cleaned out the wound on her left flipper that now has a fungal infection. Gilda also split open the majority of her sutures shortly after her firt surgery. Dr. Mettee was able to cut the edges of the wound back to healthy tissue and resuture the wound on the top side of the flipper. She also debriding and the lower wound and packing it with a material that will promote healing, ward of infection and allow the infected fluids to drain from the wound. While we had her in the OR today we inserted an esophageal feeding tube. This will allow us to get nourishment into Gilda on a daily basis since she has not eaten since her arrival 3 weeks ago. Gilda tolerated both proceedures well. She came came out out of the anesthesia at a normal rate of time and was dry docked tonight with a bandage around the neck. She will be placed back in her tank in the morning and will be fed through her feeding tube tomorrow. ( we will post more pics in the next few days)
Progress Note 10/28/08: Gilda's condition is guarded. The results of the culture taken earlier this week indicated a fungal infection at the wound site. We will continue to treat with antibiotics and add an anti-fungal treatment to her daily regimen.
Progress Note10/26/08: Gilda's prognosis is currently guarded. Unfortunately the suture line has dehisced. The plate is holding well. The screws are ok and seeded on the bone but unfortunately the wound is now open and the plate is exposed. Her Hematocrit (Hct) is 12. We are currently keeping Gilda in the shallow tank and in water continuously to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the flipper. A culture was sent out this week to be sure we are using the proper antibiotics to treat her infection. Unfortunately Gilda has not eaten since her arrival. We will continue to monitor her closely and give antibiotic injections, make adjustments if need be when culture results return and possibly bring her back in for additional minor surgery if needed.
Progress Note 10/21/08: Gilda remains in a shallow tank at this time. She is currently on 2 antibiotics, Naxcel and Amikacin. Gilda is also receiving medication for pain. Gilda has not been eating well since her surgery which could be a result of several thing. Sometimes turtles do not eat when they are in pain and some medications curb the appetite. We are watching Gilda very closely, monitoring her bloodwork, watching for infection and offering a variety of foods daily. We will keep you posted on her progress as changes occur.
Progress Note10/12/08: Gilda's bandages were removed early this morning and she was put in a shallow tank at the MLC. She took a few minutes to even out her buoyancy but in no time she was maneuvering around the tank and getting used to her new home. She will remain in a shallow tank for a few days and receive a course of antibiotic injections.
Surgical Note 10/11/08: It was a long day for all involved. But mostly Gilda who tolerated the surgery like a trooper. Working simultaneously to minimize time under anesthesia, Drs. Steve Hansen and Nancy Mettee worked their magic to place plates on her remaining left flipper and remove what was left of her right flipper. Before closing the left flipper small beads made of antibiotic material were placed in the wound that will slowly dissolve over time to promote healing and ward off infection at the surgical site. By 7pm Gilda was extubated and breathing on her own. Which was also a sigh of relief to all involved in the events of the day.
May thanks to all involved in Gilda's surgery, the planning, and the events that revolved around making it possible. There is a saying that "it takes a village". If you could have seen how much cooperation it took between people, organizations, etc to make this surgery possible in the short period of time it need to be accomplished in, you would believe...
"IT TAKES A VILLAGE"
Thanks to all ... you did a great job !!!!
Progress Note 10/10/08: Gilda rested comfortably through the night and received a blood transfusion with the help of several turtles from Sea World today. She did well through the transfusion and final arrangements were made in preparation for her surgery tomorrow here at the LMC..