Loaf
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- August 3, 2023
- Location
- Spring Hill; Hernando County
- Reason for Rescue
- Caught by a fisherman, hook ingestion
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 6.05 kg (13.3 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 34.8 cm
- Exam Findings
- Active and good body condition. Fish hooks are not visible in the mouth based on intake examination.
- Initial Treatment
- Vitamins, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and fluids
Loaf’s Story
Loaf is a juvenile Kemp’s ridley who was accidentally caught by a fisherman in Spring Hill in Hernando County. Radiographs at intake showed that Loaf actually had ingested two fish hooks and both were deep in the esophagus. Due to the location of these hooks, surgery was unfortunately needed to successfully remove them. The recovery is typically longer for these patients compared to our previous hook ingestion patient Injera due to the invasiveness of the surgery. Loaf’s initial treatment consists of vitamins, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and fluids.
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Bread
Treatment Updates
- 8.5.23
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Loaf is recovering well from surgery and has been doing well in water. We will be monitoring the healing process of the surgical site over the next several weeks.
- 8.8.23
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Loaf is able to be in water all day and overnight. We are continuing to do glucose checks twice a day and giving fluids as needed.
- 8.10.23
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We have started to offer a small amount of squid to Loaf. We willl offer Loaf a squid only diet for a few days since fish bones can cause irritation to the esophagus or GI tract.
- 8.18.23
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Loaf is continuing to improve. Their diet was increased to include shrimp!
- 9.6.23
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Loaf had a procedure to repair their surgical incision. We will continue to monitor the healing process of the surgical site.
- 9.21.23
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Loaf is doing well post suture repair. We are also currently monitoring the usage of their right front flipper. Our team has noticed limited use. Radiographs and other diagnostics have been performed. Anti-inflammatory medications were given.
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.