Sea Turtle Patient - Morgan

Species: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Release Date: March 27, 2010

Stranding Date: March 13, 2009
Stranding Location: St. Lucie Power Plant

Initial Weight: 111.54lbs.
Injury: Carapace Injuries

Admission Note:

Morgan was admitted with a motorcraft injury to the Caudal Carapace ( tail end of the carapace). There are two full thickness fractures running parallel to the spine. We estimate the turtle was hit by a boat about one week ago. Radiographs and bloodwork were done upon admission and a treatment plan was developed.  The turtle is in good body condition but will be drydocked over night as a precaution.  We will observe Morgan tomorrow in a shallow tank and offer food.  Morgan will receive daily antibiotics, pain meds and the wound will be debrided when the turtle is stable. At this time the turtles prognosis is fair.

Progress Notes:

3/27/10 - Release Location: Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach. Morgan was successfully released back to his ocean home after more than a year of rehabilitation and treatment at the center.
Morgan was fitted with a Satellite Tag and can be tracked here>>

Progress Note 12/14/09:  Morgan has been moved to a deeper tank and is doing well.  A bit less active than usual but this is expected after amputation.

Progress Note 12/5/09: Morgan was in the OR again this week for removal of the left front flipper.  Tests revealed osteomyelitis in the elbow joint which would only spread and cause additional problems down the road.   Morgan is currently in a shallow tank on pain meds and antibiotics.

Progress Note 11/17/09: Morgan has completed the current round of antibiotic injections but seems to be using the flipper less than we would like. We will re-evaluate Morgan's treatment plan in an effort to save the turtles flipper.

Progress Note 10/28/09: Current weight: 55.00 kgs., 121 lbs.

Progress Note 10/22/09:  Morgan is currently on a course of antibioitcs due to sensitivity on the right flipper and advanced Osteomyelitis of the elbow.  Results of the joint tap revealed an infection in the joint.  We will continue to treat Morgan with antibiotic injections, good nutrition and exercise with the hope of release in a couple of months. Current weight: 54.9 kgs. 120.78 lbs.

Progress Note 10/2/09: Morgan's release has been delayed due to a new development in the turtles front left flipper.  The flipper has become increasingly sensitive to touch from the elbow area down. Radiographs revealed advanced osteomyelitis in the elbow joint. A culture has been taken from the elbow joint with results pending. When results of the culture return we will decide on the best course of treatment to get Morgan back on track and into the ocean as soon as possible.
Current weight: 53.1 kgs. 116.82 lbs.

Progress Note 9/23/09: Morgan's wounds have been healing well and Dr. Mette has medically cleared the turtle for release. Check back in a few days for Morgan's release date.  We invite you to join us for Morgan's release.

Progress Note 8/31/09: Morgan has received two deworming treatments and the stabilization screws have been removed from the fracture site. The area of the fracture still remains slightly unstable. The soft tissue in the area of the wound is well granulated and pigmented which are signs of progress and good healing.  Morgans's prognosis is good and we look forward to releasing this turtle in the up coming months. Current weight :53.50 kgs.117.70 lbs.

Progress Note 8/18/09: Current weight: 53.55 kgs. 117.81 lbs.

Progress Note 8/3/09: Current weight: 53.7 kgs.  118.14 lbs.

Progress Note 7/27/09: Current weight: 55.35 kgs. 117.37 lbs.

Progress Note 6/15/09: Morgan's wounds are healing very well. The turtle has been moved to a deeper tank and seems to enjoy the added space to swim.  Morgan still has a lot of healing to do before release. But we are optimistic that this turtle will recover from its injuries and be released in future months.Current weight: 51.1 kgs. 112.42 lbs.

Progress Note 5/21/09: Follow up Blood-work on Morgan looks great and the wounds are healing well. Current weight 51.7kg. 113.74 lbs.

Progress Note 5/11/09: Current weight 50.5 kg. 111.1 lbs.

Surgical Note 5/7/09: Morgan's carapace wound was debrided today.  The splint was replaced to aide in stabilizing the ends of Morgan's carapace. We will begin another round of antibiotics to avoid infection. The turtle's attitude and appetite are excellent. Morgan's condition is fair and prognosis is good. Current weight 52.2 kg.  114.84 lbs.

Progress Note 4/27/09: Current weight 51.0kg. 112.2 lbs.

Progress Note 4/20/09: Morgan continues vitamin therapy and has completed the current round of antibiotic treatment. The turtle's hematocrit has reached an acceptable level and the wounds appear to be healing well.  They will need periodic debridments to promote healing. Current weight 49.0 kg. 107.8 lbs.

Progress Note 4/11/09: Morgan is progressing well since surgery. The turtle has completed antibiotic medications and is receiving vitamin therapy.  Dr. Mettee will perform a light debridment of Morgan's  wound site this week and place a splint to stabilize the carapace.  Current weight : 47.1 kgs., 103.62 lbs.

Progress Note 4/1/09: Morgan is recovering well from surgery. Moving around the tank well and swimming strong.  The wound is already beginning to show good signs of healing over.

Progress Note 3/27/09: Morgan had surgery to debride wounds from the motorcraft injury.  Large amounts of dead bone had to be removed leaving the turtle's kidney exposed.  Scar tissue will grow over the exposed areas over time and eventually harden protecting the organs.  We will continue antibiotics and debridement of the wounds to promote healing.  Barring infection, Morgan should make a full recovery.  The turtle was dry docked over night and returned to a shallow tank the following morning.

Progress Note 3/20/09: Morgan is a fiesty turtle, swims strong in the water and eats well.  We will debride the wound in the next week.