Dusty

Species: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: February 23, 2017
Stranding Location: St. Lucie, FL

Initial Weight: 63.27 lbs.
Current Weight: 80.55 lbs.

Issue: Chronic Debilitated
Current Condition: Improving

ADMISSION NOTE:

Dusty is a small sub-adult loggerhead that was found approximately 1 mile offshore of St. Lucie. The initial bloodwork showed anemia, hypoglycemia and overall poor health due to starvation. Hospital staff administered fluids, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and iron. Dusty 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 Dusty.

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:

07/20/2017 –  Dusty was released on 7/18 from Loggerhead Park.

07/12/2017 –  Dusty has been cleared for release. Please check our Facebook page for details.

07/05/2017 –  Overall, Dusty is improving and may be cleared for release in the near future.

06/28/2017 – 

06/21/2017 – 

06/15/2017 – 

06/08/2017 – Medications have been reduced as the turtle’s blood work is approaching normal limits. The turtle has been treated for blood parasites.

05/31/2017 – 

05/17/2017 – Dusty was treated for intestinal parasites.

05/11/2017 – 

05/03/2017 – The white cell count is now within normal limits, and the anemia is slowly resolving.

04/19/2017 – 

04/12/2017 – 

04/06/2017 – The jaw motion is now normal and the turtle is eating well on its own. Parenteral nutrition has been discontinued.

03/30/2017 – Physical therapy seems to be improving the range of motion with the jaw. The turtle is opening its mouth wider during feedings.

03/22/2017 – Dusty is having an issue opening the mouth wide enough to easily consume food on its own. Physical therapy is being done to stretch the jaw muscles. Dusty’s bone marrow has started responding to treatment.

03/15/2017 – Dusty’s appetite has become variable and the turtle continues on parenteral nutrition.

03/08/2017 – Treatment is progressing as expected and the turtle is eating well on its own.

02/23/2017 – Dusty is a small sub-adult loggerhead that was found approximately 1 mile offshore of St. Lucie. The initial bloodwork showed anemia, hypoglycemia and overall poor health due to starvation. Hospital staff administered fluids, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and iron. Dusty 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 Dusty.