Balboa

Species: Green sea turtle
(Chelonia mydas)

Arrival Date: June 3, 2016
Stranding Location: Singer Island, FL

Initial Weight: 27.4 lbs.
Current Weight: 32.75 lbs.

Issue: Boat Strike
Current Condition: Improving

ADMISSION NOTE:

Balboa is a juvenile green sea turtle that was found by Peanut Island in Riviera Beach. The turtle has boat propeller injuries to its head and carapace. The wounds will be treated daily, and the turtle has been started on fluids and antibiotics. Bloodwork will be closely monitored as we treat for infection. The turtle has begun eating.

PROGRESS KEY:

This turtle is progressing well and responding to therapy as desired.

There is a minor issue that we are working to resolve.

More details to follow.

PROGRESS NOTES:

03/30/2017 –Balboa was released on Tuesday, March 28th.

03/22/2017 –Has been cleared for release.

03/15/2017 – Has been taken off all antibiotics.

03/08/2017 – The turtle will continue to receive antibiotics as the white cell count continues to decrease.

03/01/2017 – Turtle was tagged for eventual release.

02/22/2017 – 

02/16/2017 – The white blood cell count has increased and antibiotics have been adjusted.

02/08/2017 – Balboa’s white cell count has approved dramatically. The turtle will continue to be monitored.

01/25/2017 – 

01/12/2017 – The wound is healing well. This turtle has been started on a probiotic for intestinal issues.

01/04/2017 – 

12/29/2016 – 

12/21/2016 – 

12/14/2016 – 

12/09/2016 – The sutures were removed from the surgical site. The wound is being treated topically.

11/30/2016 – 

11/23/2016 – 

11/17/2016 – 

11/10/2016 – An abscess developed on top of Balboa’s neck that was just removed surgically. Turtle is recovering well.

11/02/2016 – Balboa’s appetite has improved slightly but is not yet where we would like to see it.

10/26/2016 – Balboa has been moved to a larger tank to see if its appetite and behavior will improve.

10/20/2016 – Appetite is variable. Doing well otherwise.

10/14/2016 – Balboa’s white count is approaching normal, but the turtle continues on antibiotics in the meantime. Wounds are almost completely healed.

9/29/2016 –

9/22/2016 –

9/14/2016 –

9/07/2016 –

9/01/2016 – Balboa is in the water full time and is eating very well. The wounds are healing nicely.

8/25/2016 –

8/17/2016 –

8/11/2016 –

8/7/2016 – Balboa is now in the water except for short periods during treatment. The appetite has improved greatly.

7/7/2016 – Balboa has been dry docked extensively, but is now placed in the water during the day. While dry docked, the wounds are packed with gauze pads soaked in raw honey. The wounds have started to heal. Balboa is now eating fairly well.

6/16/2016 – Balboa is a juvenile green sea turtle that was found by Peanut Island in Riviera Beach. The turtle has boat propeller injuries to its head and carapace. The wounds will be treated daily, and the turtle has been started on fluids and antibiotics. Bloodwork will be closely monitored as we treat for infection. The turtle has begun eating.