Smalls

Species: Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Arrival Date: October 12, 2022
Stranding Location: Jensen Beach, FL

Admission Weight: 5.9 lbs.
Current Weight: 4.5 lbs.

Initial Condition: Emaciated, Pneumonia, Cyst

Smalls is a juvenile green sea turtle found near Jensen Beach. Smalls came to LMC very lethargic/depressed and in extreme emaciated body condition (very thin). The carapace was covered in epibiota (algae and barnacles). Smalls presented with ascites (fluid build up) and has a grave prognosis. Treatment includes continued ICU care, antibiotics and nutrition supplementation to help smalls gain weight.

PROGRESS KEY:

Good Condition
Fair Condition
Poor Condition

Patient requires continued treatment but is progressing well.

Minor adjustments have been made to the patient's treatment.

Patient is off all medications.

PROGRESS NOTES:

1/13/2023 - Smalls was released on Jan 4 at Hutchinson Island, Fl.

12/28/2022 -

12/12/2022 - Dr. Barron performed laparoscopic-assisted surgery on Tuesday and found lots of urine as well as caseous and necrotic material inside the structure. All of this material was removed and will hopefully allow this structure to continue to drain normally into the cloaca. Smalls is passing normal feces after the surgery, which is a positive sign.

12/5/2022 - CT scan indicated a large abnormal cystic structure, arising from the cloaca and probably of urinary tract origin.

11/28/2022 - Ascites has return, colemic cavity was aspirated and removed more fluid.

11/18/2022 - Pneumonia has resolved but constipation has been a recurrent problem. Smalls has been moved to a larger tank to increase exercise and fitness. The constipation is being addressed through a variety of medications, increased fiber in the diet, and the occasional enema.

11/4/2022 -

10/28/2022 - Antibiotics and supportive care continue.

10/21/2022 - Smalls is in the shallow hatchling tank because of weakness and drowning risk. Started eating off tongs on Tuesday and continues to have a gradually increasing appetite.

10/12/2022 - New patient.