Lil’ Buddy

Species: Green sea turtle
(Chelonia mydas)

Arrival Date: January 26, 2018
Stranding Location: Ft. Pierce, FL

Initial Weight: 4.96 Ibs.
Current Weight: 7.40 lbs.

Issue: Chronic Debilitated
Current Condition: Released

ADMISSION NOTE:

Lil’ Buddy is a juvenile green sea turtle that was found in Fort Pierce with a heavy epibiota load on his carapace and soft tissue. Bloodwork shows a high white cell count indicating a systemic infection. We will monitor Lil’ Buddy closely and repeat bloodwork often as we treat with antibiotics. There are wounds on its carapace that will be topically treated daily. 

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:

06/20/2018 –  Lil’ Buddy was released 6/14 from northern Martin County.

06/13/2018 –  Turtle has been approved for release!

06/07/2018 –  Turtle is doing very well and may be ready for release soon!

05/30/2018 –  Lil’ Buddy’s white cell count is almost normal again.

05/24/2018 –

05/16/2018 –

05/10/2018 –

05/02/2018 –

04/26/2018 –  Lil’ buddy’s white cell count is slowly returning to normal.

04/20/2018 –

04/11/2018 –  Antibiotics were changed due to a rising white cell count.

04/06/2018 –  White count is back down within normal limits.

03/29/2018 –  Lil’ Buddy is back on antibiotics due to a slight increase in white cell count.

03/22/2018 –

03/14/2018 –  Due to a rising white cell count, the turtle’s treatment plan has been modified.

03/09/2018 –

03/01/2018 –  Lil’ Buddy is doing very well with only tropical treatment and laser therapy. The turtle receive a PIT tag today.

02/23/2018 –

02/14/2018 –

02/07/2018 –  The white cell count is approaching normal limits. Lil’ buddy has a good appetite.

01/26/18 – New patient