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Blog & News

Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Kelso

Former Patients Updated November 5, 2021 Posted October 22, 2021

green sea turtle Kelso

Kelso

Juvenile, green (Chelonia mydas)
green sea turtle Kelso
Patient Status
Former
Date Found
October 1, 2021
Location
Honeymoon Island; Pinellas County
Reason for Rescue
Washed ashore, lethargic

Initial Assessment

Weight
4.49 kg (9.88 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
33.6 cm
Exam Findings
Fibropapilloma tumor on both eyes. Patient is alert but lethargic.
Initial Treatment
Received vitamins & fluids.

Kelso’s Story

Kelso is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found washed ashore and lethargic on Honeymoon Island on October 1, 2021. Kelso has a moderate amount of fibropapilloma tumors (pap tumors) on his body, including both eyes. Kelso’s initial treatment includes vitamin injections and fluids.

INTERESTING FACT: He is a part of our Sitcom Characters naming theme. Kelso is from That 70’s Show!

Treatment Updates

10.3.21

Kelso was swim tested for the first time. It was observed that he favors the left side when swimming and has trouble diving and staying submerged. He was placed in a kiddie pool to help achieve good breaths. We will gradually increase his swim time as he improves.

10.7.21

Kelso is able to be in water all day and overnight in a kiddie pool!

We are continuing to do glucose checks and give fluids as needed.

He has started to show interest in food!

10.9.21

Kelso was started on a diet and is eating well!

10.13.21

Kelso went for a routine CT scan to check for internal tumors. There were no obvious internal tumors seen!

There were lung abnormalities noted of unknown cause that could be the cause of his buoyancy issue. We will continue to monitor.

11.4.21

Recently, Kelso started to display neurological behaviors. In addition to lung abnormalities, Kelso’s prognosis is poor, and he 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-19-172.

Previous Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Jess
Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Nick Miller
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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