Smithwick

Species: Loggerhead sea turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: March 17, 2017
Stranding Location: St. Lucie, Florida

Initial Weight: 59.4 lbs.
Current Weight:

Issue: Chronic Debilitation
Current Condition: New Patient

ADMISSION NOTE:

Smithwick is a sub-adult loggerhead that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant Intake Canal. The initial bloodwork showed anemia, hypoglycemia and overall poor health due to starvation. Hospital staff administered fluids, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and iron. Smithwick was put into freshwater to remove the barnacles and leeches that covered most of body. We will continue to monitor bloodwork closely as we treat Smithwick.

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:

03/30/17 – – Smithwick had been critical since admission into the hospital. This turtle had not eaten on its own and was getting parenteral nutrition. There was no indication of response to treatments. The turtle died mid-day on Tuesday. A necropsy was performed and tissue samples were sent to a specialist for histopathology assessment.

03/22/17 – Smithwick is a sub-adult loggerhead that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant Intake Canal. The initial bloodwork showed anemia, hypoglycemia and overall poor health due to starvation. Hospital staff administered fluids, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and iron. Smithwick was put into freshwater to remove the barnacles and leeches that covered most of body. We will continue to monitor bloodwork closely as we treat Smithwick.