Charleson

Species: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: December 27, 2015
Stranding Location: Jensen Beach, FL

Initial Weight: 95.39 lbs.
Current Weight: 120.9 lbs.

Issue: Chronic debilitation, buoyancy
Current Condition: Released

ADMISSION NOTE:

Charleson is a sub adult loggerhead that was found floating in the Intracoastal Waterway in Jensen Beach, FL. The turtle has old boat strike injuries to its carapace. When it first arrived, the turtle had a large amount of epibiota including bivalves, barnacles, and algae. This epibiota was able to attach and grow on the turtle’s carapace due to Charleson’s inactivity. Bloodwork shows that Charleson is anemic and hypoglycemic. Radiographs show that the intestines are full of air. The turtle has received and will continue to receive subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics, and vitamins while being closely monitored.

PROGRESS NOTES:

6/08/2016 – Charleson was released 6/2/16 from Juno Beach.

5/19/2016 -The white cell count continues to be normal. Cryosurgery was performed on the small lumps on the neck.

4/28/2016 – Charleson’s anemia has resolved. The iron supplement has been discontinued. The white cell count appears normal at this time. We are currently treating some minor lesions on the neck.

4/2/2016 – Charleson was treated for all internal parasites and has been tagged in preparation for eventual release.

2/24/2016 – Charleson continues to improve and will be treated for internal parasites within the week.

2/1/2016 – Follow up radiographs indicated free air in the coelomic cavity as well as in the intestines.  We removed 1 liter of air from the coelomic cavity and during a second procedure removed an additional 2 liters. After the second procedure, Charleson was able to submerge without difficulty.

1/8/2016 – Charleson is a sub adult loggerhead that was found floating in the Intracoastal Waterway in Jensen Beach, FL. The turtle has old boat strike injuries to its carapace. When it first arrived, the turtle had a large amount of epibiota including bivalves, barnacles, and algae. This epibiota was able to attach and grow on the turtle’s carapace due to Charleson’s inactivity. Bloodwork shows that Charleson is anemic and hypoglycemic. Radiographs show that the intestines are full of air. The turtle has received and will continue to receive subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics, and vitamins while being closely monitored.