Jess
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- September 21, 2021
- Location
- Ponce Inlet; Volusia County
- Reason for Rescue
- Floating
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 3.84 kg (8.45 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 32.8 cm
- Exam Findings
- Fibropapilloma tumor on left eye. Patient is very active and responsive.
- Initial Treatment
- Received vitamins & fluids.
Jess’s Story
Jess is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating near Ponce Inlet in Volusia County on September 21, 2021. Jess was transferred to CMA from Volusia County Marine Science Center on September 21, 2021, as we are able to care for patients with fibropapilloma tumors (pap tumors). Jess does have a moderate amount of pap tumors that hopefully can be removed surgically following more diagnostics. Jess’ initial treatment plan consists of vitamin injections and fluids.
INTERESTING FACT: Jess is a part of our Sitcom Characters naming theme. Jess is from New Girl!
Treatment Updates
- 9.23.21
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Jess was swim tested for the first time. Due to floating behavior, Jess was placed in a kiddie pool to help achieve good breaths.
We will continue to increase monitored swim time as Jess improves.
- 9.27.21
-
We have been offering food daily and Jess is eating well!
Jess is able to be in water all day and overnight
- 9.29.21
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Jess went for a routine CT scan and no obvious internal tumors seen!
We are continuing to do glucose checks and give fluids as needed.
- 9.30.21
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Jess is improving and able to be in deep water all day!
Jess is no longer showing any floating behaviors.
- 10.7.21
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Jess is continuing to eat well and is ready for surgery!
- 10.19.21
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Jess was placed under general anesthesia and successfully had all pap tumors removed. She is recovering well!
- 11.4.21
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Jess is continuing to do well post surgery! She was placed on medicated eye drops to help the eyes heal after tumor removal.
- 12.1.21
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There were a few areas of regrowth noted on Jess’ recent exam. We will continue to monitor those sites.
- 12.8.21
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Jess underwent another pap removal surgery to address areas of regrowth. She is recovering well!
- 12.28.21
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There were few areas of regrowth noted again on Jess’ recent exam. We will continue to monitor those sites.
- 1.13.22
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Jess went for a recheck CT to check for signs of disease progression. No obvious internal tumors were seen! Jess will have another surgery to address tumors on eyes.
- 1.28.22
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Due to the severity of the left eye tumor, Jess underwent surgery to have her left eye removed. She is still releasable with one eye. She is recovering well!
- 2.24.22
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Jess is healing and recovering well from surgery! She is showing no signs of issues foraging or diving with missing one eye!
- 3.4.22
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Jess has received a clean bill of health from our veterinarian!
- 3.10.22
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Jess was successfully released at Ponce Inlet in Volusia County!
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-19-172.