Roerig

Species: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: December 14, 2015
Stranding Location: Stuart, FL

Initial Weight: 70.2 lbs.
Current Weight: 102.6 lbs.

Issue: Chronic debilitation
Current Condition: Released

ADMISSION NOTE:

Roerig is a sub-adult loggerhead turtle that was found at Sandspit Park. The turtle is lethargic, underweight, had several large barnacles on its carapace and an abundant number of leeches. Bloodwork showed that the turtle is anemic. The turtle was kept in fresh water for the first two days to remove any external parasites, such as leeches and leech eggs. Roerig received fluids, antibiotics, and iron injections. The leeches and external parasites fell off while in the freshwater. The turtle was started on parenteral nutrition twice daily and is eating well so far.

PROGRESS NOTES:

7/07/2016 – Roerig was released from Juno Beach on July 6, 2016.

6/08/2016 – The white cell count has remained within normal limits. All antibiotics have been discontinued. Roerig was given flipper tags and a PIT tag. This turtle will be monitored for possible release in the near future.

5/19/2016 – Roerig’s white cell count went up temporarily but is now back within normal limits.

4/28/2016 – Iron supplements have been discontinued as the anemia is resolving. The white cell count is within normal limits. The turtle is on calcium supplements to help firm the carapace.

4/2/2016 – Roerig has been treated for all internal parasites and the anemia continues to resolve.

2/24/2016 – Roerig continues to improve and will be treated for internal parasites within the week. The anemia is resolving well.

2/1/2016 – Parenteral nutrition has been discontinued and as the bone marrow is now working very well, the anemia is resolving.  Roerig’s appetite is very good.

1/8/2016 – Roerig has been doing well on parenteral nutrition and the bone marrow has begun to function again. Parenteral nutrition will be stopped in two days. Roerig has been eating very well.

12/16/2015 – Roerig is a sub-adult loggerhead turtle that was found at Sandspit Park. The turtle is lethargic, underweight, had several large barnacles on its carapace and an abundant number of leeches. Bloodwork showed that the turtle is anemic. The turtle was kept in fresh water for the first two days to remove any external parasites, such as leeches and leech eggs. Roerig received fluids, antibiotics, and iron injections. The leeches and external parasites fell off while in the freshwater. The turtle was started on parenteral nutrition twice daily and is eating well so far.