Borscht
- Patient Status
- Former
- Date Found
- March 2, 2022
- Location
- Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville; Brevard County
- Reason for Rescue
- Washed ashore
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 2.77 kg (6.1 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 30.8 cm
- Exam Findings
- Slightly thin. Moderate case of fibropapilloma tumors.
- Initial Treatment
- Vitamin injections, antibiotics, and fluids
Borscht’s Story
Borscht is a juvenile green sea turtle who was found washed ashore at Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville on March 2nd. Borscht was transferred to CMA from Brevard Zoo on March 27th to help free up space for more strandings. We are hopeful to have Borscht ready for tumor removal surgery soon!
INTERESTING FACT: Named previously by Brevard Zoo. Borscht is a type of soup that originated in Ukraine.
Treatment Updates
- 3.31.22
-
Borscht is doing well in our care! He is continuing to eat and showing no signs of issues. Borscht went for a recheck CT, there are no obvious internal tumors seen!
- 4.24.22
-
Borscht underwent his first pap removal surgery. He succesfully had all eye tumors and several others removed. He will have another surgery at a later time to remove the remaining tumors.
He is recovering well! He was placed on medicated eye drops to help the eyes heal.
- 5.13.22
-
Borscht is doing well post surgery! We are hopeful he will be ready for his second surgery soon!
- 6.16.22
-
Borscht underwent a 2nd pap tumor removal surgery. A large pelvic tumor was successfully removed (weighing around 400g, just shy of 1 lb!). Borscht still has tumors remaining and will need a 3rd surgery in a few weeks.
- 6.24.22
-
Borscht is doing great post-surgery and is showing no signs of any issues! Borscht could potentially have his 3rd surgery in a few weeks!
- 6.30.22
-
Borscht successfully had a 3rd surgery to remove all remaining tumors! We will be monitoring the surgical sites for healing and regrowth over the several weeks. He was also placed on medicated eye drops to encourage proper healing.
- 7.5.22
-
Borscht is doing well post-surgery!
- 8.26.22
-
Our team has noticed significant regrowth within the last two weeks on several skin areas and both eyes. It was observed that both eyes were infiltrated by tumors. After futher assessment, both eyes are no longer viable. We are deeply saddened to report that Borscht was humanely euthanized due to poor prognosis.
All marine turtle footage taken in Florida was obtained with the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-21/22-172A.