Emmett

Species: Green Sea Turtle
(Chelonia mydas)

Arrival Date: October 21, 2015
Stranding Location: Hutchison Island, FL

Initial Weight: 4.85 lbs.
Current Weight: 6.8 lbs.

Issue: Buoyancy disorder
Current Condition: Released

ADMISSION NOTE:

Emmett was found in the surf on Hutchison Island. The turtle has excess intestinal gas, which causes it to float. The turtle does have a good appetite but has been started on two different antibiotics to control intestinal infection and other possible systemic infections.

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:

8/24/2016 – Released from Hobe Sound Beach.

8/17/2016 – 

8/11/2016 – 

8/07/2016 –  The wounds are completely healed. The blood values are very close to normal.

7/07/2016 –  A second cryosurgical procedure was done on the wounds, which now appear to be healing well.

6/08/2016 –  Emmett underwent cryosurgery on several topical/skin lesions. These lesions appear to be healing well. 

5/19/2016 – Emmett has been taken off one antibiotic. The second antibiotic will be discontinued if the blood values continue to improve.

4/28/2016 – Emmett’s white cell count has decreased dramatically since being placed on a new antibiotic.

4/2/2016 – Emmett’s white cell count is slowly decreasing on the current treatment.

2/24/2016 – Emmett’s white cell count this week indicated a rising white cell count, so the treatment regimen has been modified.

2/1/2016 – Emmett’s white cell count has decreased steadily and is currently approaching normal.

1/8/2016 – Emmett’s antibiotics were changed in order to reduce the white cell count to a normal level.

12/17/2015 – Emmett’s white cell count remains steady but still slightly elevated. The turtle is doing well otherwise.

11/30/2015 – Emmett’s white cell count has gone down but has not yet reached normal levels.  Treatment regimen will continue.

11/9/2015 – Emmett is no longer floating, but has an elevated white blood cell count.  Turtle continues to receive antibiotics, but is doing very well otherwise.

10/26/2015 – Emmett’s antibiotics were changed in order to reduce the white cell count to a normal level.