Sea Turtle Patient - Turtwig

Species: Green Sea Turtle
(Chelonia mydas)

Stranding Date: August 4, 2009
Stranding Location: St. Lucie Power Plant

Initial Weight: 81.5lbs.
Injury: Recovered from intake canal

Admission Note:

Turtwig arrived with a healed prop wound to the anterior carapace and a new puncture wound to the posterior carapace. The turtle has buoyancy issues as a result of these injuries. Radiographs were taken and bloodwork has been sent out for evaluation. The turtle has been placed on antibiotics along with daily applications of silvedene to help heal some superficial injuries on the carapace. As of now, Turtwigs’ buoyancy issue has not been resolved through several treatments and has been deemed non-releasable. We are currently trying to find a permanent facility where Turtwig will be transferred to in the near future.

Progress Note:

7/9/2010 - We continue to search to try to find Turtwig a permanent home.

07/16/2010 - Turtwig completed the course of antibiotics on 07/13. Turtwig will have outlab blood work today. Turtwig will also receive the 3rd of 4 Deworming treatments today.

07/23/2010 - Turtwig was transferred to a new, permanent home! Full story on hospital blog.