Guayana
- Patient Status
- Former
- Date Found
- August 14, 2024
- Location
- Crystal River; Citrus county
- Reason for Rescue
- Boat strike
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 4.16 kg (9.2 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 32.5 cm
- Exam Findings
- Good body condition. Injury to the head and carapace. Minor fibropapilloma tumors present.
- Initial Treatment
- Fluids, anti-inflammatory, and wound care
Guayana’s Story
Guayana is a juvenile, sea turtle, who was found floating near Crystal River with injury to their carapace (shell) and head. Guayana has a good body condition and minor fibropapilloma tumors present. They were active and alert at the intake examination. Over the next few days, we will be performing diagnostics to assess the extent of their injuries internally and monitoring their behaviors.
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Hometowns (Venezuela)
Treatment Updates
- 8.16.24
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Guayana went for a CT scan. There is a portion of the spine and potentially the brain casing affected. We will continue to monitor for any signs of neurological issues.
- 8.19.24
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Guayana was swim tested for the first time. Their activity level was low, and they were placed in a shallow pool. We will gradually increase their swim time and monitor.
- 8.23.24
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Guayana has been in a shallow pool all day. No interest in food yet. We will continue to monitor. A routine bandage change and wound care was performed on carapace and head injuries.
- 9.1.24
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We have started tube feeding to provide nutritional support. Guayana is also on antibiotics and fluid therapy based on recent lab work.
- 9.14.24
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Guayana has started eating on their own this week! This is huge progress in their rehab!
- 9.28.24
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Due to the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene to our life support systems, all our sea turtle patients were transferred to Coastal Stewards to continue out their rehabilitation until our pools are fixed.
- 11.18.24
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Guayana has returned to CMA from Coastal Stewards to finish out the remainder of their rehabilitation. They are able to be in deep water and are resting on the bottom!
- 12.12.24
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The carapace is not healing properly. To aid in proper healing, Guayana will have a procedure done to open up the carapace injury and remove any debris that is trapped to encourage proper healing. They are currently on antibiotics.
- 12.14.24
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There were concerning findings observed during the carapace procedure. A recheck CT was completed to verify these findings. Unfortunately there was extensive damage internally that explain Guayana’s abnormalities during rehabilitation. Unfortunately, there is no further treatment available and prognosis is poor. Guayana was humanely euthanized.
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-23/24-172.