Xander

Species: Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)

Arrival Date: July 12, 2015
Stranding Location: St. Lucie, FL

Initial Weight: 114.9 lbs.
Current Weight: 122.36 lbs.

Issue: Fishing line Entanglement
Current Condition: Released

Admission Note:

Xander is a subadult loggerhead that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant Intake Canal by Inwater Research Group biologists. Both rear flippers were entangled in a thick fishing line. The fishing line was removed, and the wounds around the entanglement have already healed. Xander seems to be using both rear flippers. The turtle is now on antibiotics, betadine scrubs, and cold laser therapy for the flipper wounds.

Progress Notes:

3/31/2016 – Xander was released from Loggerhead Park on March 31. View photos from the release here >>

2/24/2016 – All systemic medications have been stopped but we are continuing to treat the rear flippers with a topical medication. The wound is healing well.

2/1/2016 – We are continuing to treat the right rear flipper, which is responding well and healing.

1/8/2016 – All screws and plates have been removed from the right rear flipper. The area continues to heal.

12/17/2015 – The surgery site infection appears to be healing. We have removed most of the screws for the bone plates. We will be removing the remainder of the screws and both plates in the near future. Xander has been using that flipper while swimming.

11/30/2015 – Xander’s white cell count is near normal, but the surgery site has evidence of local infection in the bones. The bone plates appear to be loosening due to this infection. The flipper is being treated topically and monitored closely.

11/9/2015 – Xander continues to improve following the surgery. The turtle is using the repaired flipper more each day.

10/26/2015 – Xander’s surgery went very well. Two visiting veterinarians were able to stabilize the right rear femur by using two titanium plates and screws. We are continuing to treat the left rear flipper with a topical medication daily.

10/8/2015 – Xander is scheduled to have orthopedic surgery next week to repair the non-union femur fracture on the right rear flipper. The left rear flipper is healing well and will not require surgery.

9/7/2015 – The wounds are healing very well on the flippers. We are consulting with an orthopedic surgeon to repair the non-union fractures in the rear flippers.

8/11/2015 – Xander is a subadult loggerhead that was found in the St. Lucie Power Plant Intake Canal by Inwater Research Group biologists. Both rear flippers were entangled in a thick fishing line. The fishing line was removed, and the wounds around the entanglement have already healed. Xander seems to be using both rear flippers. The turtle is now on antibiotics, betadine scrubs and cold laser therapy for the flipper wounds.