Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Carlsbad

Carlsbad

Green, Juvenile (Chelonia mydas)

Patient Status

Current

Date Found

October 24, 2022

Location

Offshore Hernando Beach; Hernando County

Reason for Rescue

Floating, lethargic

Initial Assessment

Weight

6.95 kg (15.2 lbs)

SCL (Straight Carapace Length)

40.7 cm

Exam Findings

Alert but not very active. Relatively good body condition. Large pelvic fibropapilloma tumors.

Initial Treatment

vitamin injections, antibiotics, and fluids.

Carlsbad’s Story

Carlsbad is a juvenile green sea turtle who was found floating offshore of Hernando Beach on October 24. Carlsbad has a severe pelvic fibropapilloma tumor that will need to be removed surgically as well as minor eye tumors. Carlsbad was active but floating during their first swim test in rehab at CMA.

INTERESTING FACT: Carlsbad is named after Carlsbad National Park in California, USA.

Treatment Updates

10.27.22

Carlsbad went for a routine CT scan, no obvious internal tumors were seen! We are currently monitoring Carl’s appetite as they are not showing interest in food just yet. We are continuing to do glucose checks twice a day and giving fluids as needed. Carl is able to be in a kiddie pool all day and overnight!

10.29.22

Carlsbad has started to show interest in food and is becoming more active in water! We are now slowly incorporating deep water swim time and is doing well!

11.1.22

Carlsbad is able to be in deep water all day and overnight. Carlsbad is officially on a diet and eating well!

11.23.22

Carlsbad went for a recheck CT to check for signs of disease progression prior scheduling first surgery. We are saddend to say that Carl had developed internal tumors and was humanely euthanized. A necropsy was completed to help learn about this case.

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.