Petr

Chelonia mydas (Green sea turtle) Stranding Location: Highland Beach, Palm Beach county Arrival Date: June 3, 2008 Initial Weight:  15.2 lbs. Current Weight: 14.8 lbs.

This is a juvenile turtle that was found entangled in fishing line and swimming in circles.  He was fortunate to be rescued by swimmers who noticed his unusual behavior.  He also swallowed a hook and some of the line.  The hook was easily removed under mild sedation.  He is fortunate that the monofilament line, which was wrapped tightly around the flipper, did not completely sever it.  With a treatment of antibiotics and physical therapy he should be able to keep the flipper.

7/25/08 Petr is also doing well.  His mono filament entangled flipper did not need amputation as there was sufficient blood flow to the extremity to save it.  However, the soft tissue was heavily damaged and will take a while to get back to normal.  Recent lab work indicates that his bone marrow is actively replenishing his red blood cells and the anemia is almost resolved.  Day by day the injury done by the reduced blood flow is being repaired, but he also needs supportive care and physical therapy over the next several months before he can be released.

Flipper healing well. Completed a course of antibiotics,  physical therapy including daily massage and in tank physical therapy.  Will not loose flipper and will be released when blood levels return to normal.