Bear
Species: Hawksbill Sea Turtle
(Eretmochelys imbricata)
Arrival Date: February 10, 2016
Stranding Location: St. Lucie, FL
Initial Weight: 30.65 lbs.
Current Weight: 29.80 lbs.
Issue: Cold-stunned, chronic debilitation, impaction
Current Condition: Deceased
ADMISSION NOTE:
Bear is a sub-adult hawksbill turtle that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant intake canal. Bear was cold stunned upon arrival with an internal body temperature of 60°F. With such a low core temperature, the heart rate was only 5 beats per minute, and the body had begun to shut down. Hospital staff slowly brought the temperature up so that the organs and immune system could function properly. Bear is also chronically debilitated and has an intestinal impaction. We are administering daily subcutaneous fluids and have given a gut motility drug to aid in the passing of the impacted material. Bear will continue to receive antibiotics and have weekly bloodwork done as we closely monitor its progress.
PROGRESS KEY:
This turtle is progressing well and responding to therapy as desired.
There is a minor issue that we are working to resolve.
PROGRESS NOTES:
11/02/2016 –
10/26/2016 –
10/20/2016 –
10/14/2016 –
9/29/2016 –
9/22/2016 –
9/14/2016 –
9/07/2016 –
9/01/2016 –
8/25/2016 –
8/17/2016 –
8/11/2016 –
8/07/2016 – Bear has developed a raspy respiration. The turtle underwent a bronchoscopy procedure which yielded samples giving evidence of both fungal and bacterial infections in the lungs. Samples are being cultured to determine the best possible treatment.
7/07/2016 – Bear received medication to eliminate parasites. We are hopeful that removal of parasites will help regain the turtle’s appetite.
6/08/2016 – Bear’s white cell count has increased. The treatment plan has been modified and will be monitored.
5/19/2016 – This turtle is still thin, but Bear has been eating more consistently. We are continuing to monitor the response to anemia.
4/28/2016 – The white cell count appears normal at this time. Bear is still anemic, and is receiving iron supplementation. This turtle is eating but does not have a strong appetite.
4/2/2016 – Bear was slow to start eating, but is now eating better. The turtle is on antibiotics for an elevated white count.
2/24/2016 – Bear is a sub-adult hawksbill turtle that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant intake canal. Bear was cold stunned upon arrival with an internal body temperature of 60°F. With such a low core temperature, the heart rate was only 5 beats per minute, and the body had begun to shut down. Hospital staff slowly brought the temperature up so that the organs and immune system could function properly. Bear is also chronically debilitated and has an intestinal impaction. We are administering daily subcutaneous fluids and have given a gut motility drug to aid in the passing of the impacted material. Bear will continue to receive antibiotics and have weekly bloodwork done as we closely monitor its progress.