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.

More details to follow.

PROGRESS NOTES:

11/02/2016 – The turtle showed a significant decline in condition over the weekend, so new radiographs were taken. They revealed a worsening of the pathology in the lungs, with almost no normal lung tissue remaining. It was decided that humanely ending the turtle’s suffering was the best thing for it, so it was humanely euthanized this morning. A special necropsy will be performed in Gainesville later today to learn everything we can possibly learn from it.

10/26/2016 – There is no significant change. The prognosis remains guarded.

10/20/2016 – There is no significant change. The prognosis remains guarded.

10/14/2016 – We are using special nebulization for fungal pneumonia, but Bear’s appetite is declining. Turtle is being monitored closely.

9/29/2016 – There is no significant change. The prognosis remains guarded.

9/22/2016 – We have started new medication for the specific fungal organism found in the lungs. We are utilizing a new administration technique to treat the fungal pneumonia. The prognosis is guarded.

9/14/2016 – Even though Bear is eating better, fungus culture indicates a drug-resistant fungus and worsening pneumonia, despite treatment.

9/07/2016 – Bear continues to improve. We are waiting for fungal culture results that may take 2 more weeks.

9/01/2016 – We have begun special nebulization for fungal pneumonia. The fungal culture has been sent to the Texas Fungal Lab for identification. We have seen some improvement in Bear’s appetite and behavior.

8/25/2016 – Bear continues to improve. We are currently waiting for fungal culture results.

8/17/2016 – Bear has shown improvement and better appetite since we started special new treatment.

8/11/2016 – Bear has been diagnosed with fungal pneumonia. This necessitates a guarded prognosis and special treatment.

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.