Providencia

Species: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: December 26, 2017
Stranding Location: St. Lucie, FL

Initial Weight: 178.64 lbs.
Current Weight: 205.72 lbs.

Issue: Chronic Debilitation
Current Condition: Released

Providencia is named in honor of our long standing partnership with Discover the Palm Beaches and the historic connection to the palm beaches.

On Jan. 9, 1878, the Spanish brig Providencia bound from Mexico to Spain with a cargo of logs, hides and 20,000 coconuts ran aground on what was then known as the lake region. Local residents took the coconuts as salvage and within a decade, the area was filled with palm trees, and the island had a new name - Palm Beach.

Adopt Now

ADMISSION NOTE:

Providencia is a small adult female loggerhead that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant intake canal. The initial bloodwork showed anemia and overall poor health due to starvation. Hospital staff administered fluids, antibiotics, iron, and vitamins. Providencia was also started on once daily parenteral nutrition supplementations. The turtle was put into freshwater to remove epibiota and leeches that covered the turtle\'s body. We will continue to monitor bloodwork closely as we treat Providencia.

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:

10/24/2018 -

10/17/2018 -

10/10/2018 -

10/04/2018 -

09/26/2018 -  Providencia's anemia is finally showing improvement.

09/19/2018 -

09/13/2018 -

09/05/2018 -

08/29/2018 -

08/22/2018 -

08/10/2018 -

07/29/2018 -

07/18/2018 -  The erythropoietin used on Providencia had no effect on its bone marrow production.

07/11/2018 -  Still no change so far from erythropoietin injection.

07/04/2018 -  No change so far from erythropoietin injection.

06/27/2018 -  Providencia's anemia seems to have plateaued. We have started the turtle on erythropoietin hormone to determine if it will increase red blood cell production.

06/20/2018 -

06/13/2018 -

06/07/2018 -

05/30/2018 -  Providencia's anemia is slowing improving.

05/24/2018 -

05/16/2018 -

05/10/2018 -

05/02/2018 -  We have noticed general improvement with Providencia's overall condition after she passed the remaining eggs.

04/26/2018 -  Providencia passed more eggs and radiographs showed no more eggs present. The turtle is also responding better for anemia treatment.

04/20/2018 -  We attempted to scope the oviducts of this turtle, but were unable to maneuver all the way to the remaining eggs.

04/11/2018 -

04/06/2018 -  

03/29/2018 -  Radiographs revealed three eggs still present, but one appears to be degenerating.

03/22/2018 -  There are three eggs still remaining. One of those eggs appears to be decomposing and will be expelled in the near future.

03/14/2018 -

03/09/2018 -

03/01/2018 -  We are starting to see a more rapid improvement in the anemia. The bone marrow is starting to respond well to treatment.

02/23/2018 -

02/14/2018 -  One more egg has passed leaving three eggs yet to pass.

02/07/2018 -

01/31/2018 -  Providencia is no longer receiving parenteral nutrition. Radiographs revealed there are still 4 eggs present in the oviduct.

01/25/2018 -  The turtle's bone marrow has begun to produce new red blood cells and consequently the anemia is lessening.

01/17/2018 -  This week, the turtle has passed 2 more non-viable eggs and its appetite has returned.

01/10/2018 -  This week, the turtle has passed 5 non-viable eggs in the tank.

01/03/2018 -  The turtle is receiving parenteral nutrition once daily and has begun to eat.

12/27/2017 - Arrival