CROW releases sea turtles following treatment
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation for Wildlife on Sanibel recently released two loggerhead sea turtles.
Officials reported that the first turtle was admitted on April 8 from Bonita Springs after she was found floating with more than 2 feet of monofilament line extending from her cloaca. Further examination revealed a large fishing hook internally and hospital staff monitored her closely in hopes she would pass it on her own. Unfortunately, the hook was not moving and veterinarians scheduled a hook removal surgery. During surgery, veterinarians found the hook had punctured through the gastrointestinal tract, and they carefully removed the hook before closing the surgery site.
After surgery, the turtle was still suffering from some buoyancy issues and rehabilitation staff fixated weights on her shell to help her pass any gas causing her to float. She was still floating weeks later, so a CT scan was scheduled to evaluate internal health and treatment decisions moving forward. The scan revealed that she had a collapsing lung and free floating air in the body cavity, so she underwent another surgery to suction out the air and her own blood was used to form a patch to seal the lung tear.
Officials reported that the second turtle was admitted on April 28 from Everglades City after she was found floating with deformaties. Upon examination, she had several abrasions, lesions and lacerations all over her body, with heavy algae and barnacle growth on her shell. Additionally, her shell and flippers were deformed, potentially from some type of entanglement during her development.
Radiographs confirmed she was suffering from pneumonia and gas trapped in her intestines, which could have resulted in her buoyancy issues. She was also scheduled for a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of pneumonia. Hospital staff continued to provide supportive care under close monitoring.
After 54 days in care for the turtle from Bonita Springs and 34 days in care for the turtle from Everglades City, both patients were cleared for release.
If you find an animal in distress, contact CROW at 239-472-3644, ext. 222, or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-FWCC (3922).