Michelle

Species: Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Arrival Date: November 21, 2018
Stranding Location: Cape Cod, MA

Initial Weight: 2.29 lbs.
Current Weight: 3.04 lbs.

Issue: Cold stunned

Michelle is a juvenile Kemp\'s ridley sea turtle that arrived cold-stunned from the Cape Cod area, along with 19 others. Sea turtles are cold-blooded and rely on the environment to control their body temperatures. The cold waters in Cape Cod Bay disturb the metabolism of the turtles, causing them to be cold-stunned and have trouble moving. These turtles are often found floating on the water\'s surface, leaving them exposed and vulnerable. This patient was flown down to LMC from the New England Aquarium for long-term treatment with the support of Turtles Fly Too. We are also grateful for Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, NOAA Fisheries Service, and FWC for their parts in helping these cold-stunned sea turtles. The turtles are receiving antibiotics and fluids.

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:

04/04/2019 - Michelle was released today from New Smyrna Beach!

03/27/2019 - Michelle has been cleared for release next week.

03/20/2019 - Michelle's white cell count is normal after medications were discontinued.

03/13/2019 - Michelle has been taken off all medication.

03/06/2019 - Michelle's white count is now normal.

02/27/2019 - Michelle's white cell count is now normal.

02/20/2019 - Michelle\'s white count has gone back up slightly, but no changes were made.

02/13/2019 - Michelle's white count is remaining normal.

02/06/2019 - Michelle was put back on antibiotics.

02/04/2019 - Michelle is awaiting first blood test since being taken off antibiotics.

01/25/2019 - White blood cell count is now normal since medication was changed.

01/17/2019 - Antibiotics were changed due to white cell count elevation.

01/10/2019 - Michelle's white blood cell count is now normal

01/03/2019 - Michelle's white blood cell count is approaching normal.

12/26/2018 - Michelle's white blood cell count is approaching normal on the current treatment.

12/19/2018 -

12/12/2018 -

12/05/2018 -

11/21/2018 - Arrived