Bloom

Species: Loggerhead sea turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: February 16, 2017
Stranding Location: St. Lucie, Florida

Initial Weight: 80.5 lbs.
Current Weight: 73.2 lbs.

Issue: Chronic Debilitation
Current Condition: Critical

ADMISSION NOTE:

Bloom is a small sub-adult loggerhead that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant Intake Canal. The initial bloodwork showed anemia, hypoglycemia and overall poor health due to starvation. Hospital staff administered fluids, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and iron. Bloom was put into freshwater to remove the barnacles and leeches that covered most of body. We will continue to monitor bloodwork closely as we treat Bloom.

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:

04/19/17 – Bloom died overnight on April 17/18. The necropsy will be performed at a later date.

04/12/17 –

04/06/17 –Bloom is slowly improving and is staying in the water day and night. The turtle is now receiving parenteral nutrition because it is not yet eating.

03/30/17 – Bloom took a turn for the worst on Tuesday. The turtle had nearly drowned before staff arrived to work that morning. Bloom was intubated and tilted to drain the fluid from the lungs. After breathing for the turtle for a few hours, the turtle started breathing on its own. Bloom was placed back in water during the day with observation and dry docked at night. There is possible neurological damage due to lack of oxygen to the brain. The staff is doing everything they can to keep Bloom stable.

04/06/17 –  Bloom is slowly improving and is staying in the water day and night. The turtle is now receiving parenteral nutrition because it is not yet eating.

03/22/17 – The turtle is doing well. There is a minor issue with one eye, but that seems to be improving.

03/15/17 –  Bloom has been moved to deeper water and is doing well. The turtle is continuing to receive parenteral nutrition.

03/08/17 –  Treatment is progressing as expected and the turtle is eating well on its own.

03/01/17 – Bloom is doing well on parenteral nutrition and is eating somewhat on its own.

02/16/17 – Bloom is a small sub-adult loggerhead that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant Intake Canal. The initial bloodwork showed anemia, hypoglycemia and overall poor health due to starvation. Hospital staff administered fluids, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and iron. Bloom was put into freshwater to remove the barnacles and leeches that covered most of body. We will continue to monitor bloodwork closely as we treat Bloom.