Jalapeno Cheddar
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- March 24, 2022
- Location
- St. Pete Beach; Pinellas County
- Reason for Rescue
- Washed ashore
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 6.93 kg (15.2 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 40.7 cm
- Exam Findings
- Lethargic and thin. Carapace is covered in a large amount of epibiota, specifically sea squirts. Fibropapilloma tumors present on left eye.
- Initial Treatment
- Vitamin injections, antibiotics, and fluids
Jalapeno Cheddar’s Story
Jalapeno Cheddar is a juvenile green sea turtle who was found washed ashore in St. Pete on March 24th. At the examination, Jalapeno Cheddar was lethargic, thin, and covered in a large amount of epibiota, especially sea squirts. There are fibropapilloma tumors on his left eye and one large tumor near the left rear flipper. Jalapeno’s initial treatment consists of fluids, vitamin injections, and antibiotics.
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Sauces
Treatment Updates
- 3.25.22
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Due to his lethargy, Jalapeno Cheddar was placed in a shallow kiddie pool for his first swim test. He was only able to be in water for about an hour. We will slowly increase his swim time as his health improves.
- 3.28.22
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Jalapeno is able to be in a shallow kiddie pool all day! He is starting to show interest in food and is becoming more alert! We are continuing to do glucose checks and giving fluids as needed.
- 3.30.22
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Jalapeno went for a CT scan, there were no obvious internal tumors seen. He is able to be in shallow kiddie pool overnight! Our team’s goal is to get him healthy and ready for surgery to remove fibropapilloma tumors.
- 4.8.22
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Jalapeno is continuing to improve. He is eating well and doing great in deep water all day and overnight.
- 4.20.22
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Jalapeno’s diet was increased, and he is continuing to gain weight!
- 5.13.22
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Jalapeno went for a recheck CT, there were no obvious internal tumors seen! We are hopeful Jalapeno will be ready for surgery soon!
- 6.14.22
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Jalapeno underwent his first tumor removal surgery. The large left rear flipper tumor was successfully removed, weighing around 400g (just shy of 1 lb)! Unfortunately, due to the severity of the left eye tumor, Jalapeno’s left eye needed to be surgically removed. Sea turtles are still releasable with one eye! Due to the nature of the surgery, Jalapeno’s recovery has been slower. We are continuing to provide supportive care to help him recover.
- 6.24.22
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Jalapeno is continuing to improve each day post surgery! His appetite is back to normal!
- 7.13.22
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Cleaning of the surgical site of the enucleated eye was completed. Jalapeno is continuing to do well!
- 8.10.22
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Jalapeno is ready for his second surgery!
- 8.17.22
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Jalapeno successfully had all remaining tumors removed, and he is recovering well!
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.