Gaston

Species: Loggerhead sea turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: April 2, 2017
Stranding Location: St. Lucie, Florida

Initial Weight: 80.87 lbs.
Current Weight: 97.45 lbs.

Issue: Chronic Debilitation
Current Condition: Improving

ADMISSION NOTE:

Gaston was found in the intake canal at the St. Lucie Power Plant. Biologists noticed that the turtle was emaciated and need medical evaluation by a veterinarian. The turtle’s bloodwork showed possible early signs of debilitation. Radiographs did not show any fishing hooks or signs of gastrointestinal problems. Gaston was placed into a fresh water bath for the first two days to kill off leaches and other epibiota. We will closely monitor Gaston’s bloodwork and appetite.

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:

09/06/2017 –  Gaston was released privately from Juno Beach today. With the threat of hurricane Irma making landfall in Florida, this was the best option for the safety of the turtle that was medically cleared for release by our staff veterinarian.

08/31/17 –  

08/23/17 – 

08/16/17 –  

08/10/17 –  

08/02/17 –  Gaston’s bloodwork seems to be within normal limits with the exception of the anemia. This blood value is not in the ideal range.

07/27/17 – 

07/20/17 – 

07/12/17 –  Gaston was moved into Big Blue.

07/05/17 –  Gaston’s white cell count appears normal. The turtle is still anemic and will continue to receive iron supplementation.

06/28/17 –  Gaston received PIT tag and flipper tags late last week.

06/21/17 – 

06/15/17 – 

06/08/17 – Gaston is responding well to treatments. The turtle will receive medication to treat blood parasites this week.

05/31/17 – 

05/17/17 – Gaston was treated for intestinal parasites.

05/11/17 – 

05/03/17 – The white blood cell count is within normal limits. Blood tests show the bone marrow is responding well to treatments and the anemia is beginning to resolve.

04/19/17 – 

04/12/17 – Gaston has an excellent appetite and is improving daily.

04/02/17 – Gaston was found in the intake canal at the St. Lucie Power Plant. Biologists noticed that the turtle was emaciated and need medical evaluation by a veterinarian. The turtle’s bloodwork showed possible early signs of debilitation. Radiographs did not show any fishing hooks or signs of gastrointestinal problems. Gaston was placed into a fresh water bath for the first two days to kill off leaches and other epibiota.  We will closely monitor Gaston’s bloodwork and appetite.