Seabastian

Species: Loggerhead sea turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: April 15, 2018
Stranding Location: Jupiter, FL

Initial Weight: 30.05 lbs.
Current Weight: 37.40 lbs.

Issue: Chronic debilitation
Current Condition: Released

ADMISSION NOTE:

Seabastian is a juvenile loggerhead patient that was found at DuBois Park. The turtle arrived with a heavy epibiota load that included barnacles, algae, and leeches due to its inactivity. The fresh water soak, that lasted about 36 hours, will help to rid the turtle of the leeches. The barnacles were manually removed to allow for clear radiographs. There are several fractures in the bones of the back part of the carapace from an unknown cause. The turtle’s nasal area also sustained an unknown injury. Upon arrival, the patient’s bloodwork showed severe anemia, hypoglycemia and overall poor health.  Seabastian will be receiving IV parenteral nutrition, supplemental iron, subcutaneous fluids and several antibiotics.

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:

08/23/2018 –  Released!

08/16/2018 –  Seabastian has been approved for release! The turtle will be released Thursday, August 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Loggerhead Park in Juno Beach.

08/10/2018 –

07/29/2018 –  Seabastian’s appetite is better and the turtle is gaining more weight.

07/18/2018 –

07/11/2018 –

07/04/2018 –

06/27/2018 –  Seabastian is no longer anemic as packed cell volume is now 30%. The turtle’s appetite is still off somewhat but the turtle is doing well otherwise.

06/20/2018 –  Seabastian’s appetite was off a little this week, but we suspect it is from a medication that has now been changed.

06/13/2018 –  Seabastian was tagged this week in preparation for eventual release.

06/07/2018 –  The turtle’s red cells are up to 26% and the turtle has completed its treatment for parasites.

05/30/2018 –  Seabastian’s blood is now 24% red blood cells and the turtle is gaining weight.

05/24/2018 –  Seabastian’s bone marrow is working so well, the packed cell volume is up to 20%. The turtle has been started on treatment for parasites.

05/16/2018 –  Seabastian’s bone marrow is now working overtime. The packed cell volume is up to 17% from its original 2% and after the transfusion, 6%.

05/10/2018 –  Seabastian’s bone marrow has finally begun making red blood cells. The packed cell volume is up to 7.5% from its original 2% and after the transfusion, 6%.

05/02/2018 –  Seabastian’s appetite is improving gradually. The external wounds are starting to show signs of healing.

04/26/2018 –  Seabastian continues to receive parenteral nutrition twice daily. Because the anemia was so severe, a blood transfusion was performed to keep the turtle alive until its own bone marrow can begin producing blood cells. The turtle has begun to eat and is passing stool.

04/20/2018 – New patient.