Nick Miller
- Patient Status
- Current
- Date Found
- October 9, 2021
- Location
- Between Three Rooker Island & Honeymoon Island; Pinellas County
- Reason for Rescue
- Entanglement
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 4.42 kg (9.8 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 35.0 cm
- Exam Findings
- Fibropapilloma tumors on both eyes with a severe one most likely obstructing vision on left eye. A large tumor between the head and left front flippers that is also attached the carapace (shell). Fishing line wrapped around tumors.
- Initial Treatment
- Received vitamins, fluids & antibiotics.
Nick Miller’s Story
Nick Miller is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found entangled between Three Rooker Island and Honeymoon Island on October 9, 2021. The fishing line was intertwined with seagrass and wrapped around fibropapilloma tumors (pap tumors) including the left eye and the area between the head and left front flipper. Nick Miller appears to be underweight and had a moderate amount of algae coverage on his carapace (shell). Nick Miller’s initial treatment includes vitamin injections, fluids, and injectable antibiotics.
INTERESTING FACT: Nick Miller is a part of our Sitcom Characters naming theme. Nick is from New Girl!
Treatment Updates
- 10.10.21
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Nick Miller was swim tested for the first time. Due to floating behavior and inability to dive, Nick Miller was placed in a kiddie pool to help achieve good breaths.
We will continue to increase monitored swim time as Nick improves.
- 10.13.21
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Nick Miller 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.
Nick Miller is starting to show interest in food and was started on oral antibiotics.
- 10.15.21
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Nick Miller went for a routine CT scan. There were no obvious internal tumors seen!
Nick is showing improvement in daily deep water time.
- 11.4.21
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Nick is gaining weight and continuing to eat well and will hopefully be ready for surgery soon!
- 12.3.21
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Nick Miller underwent his first pap removal surgery! He successfully had all eye tumors and a few other large tumors removed. Due to Nick’s tumor load, he will have another surgery at a later time to remove the remaining tumors.
Nick is recovering well post surgery and already has a normal appetite!
Over the next few weeks, we will monitor the eyes and surgical sites for healing and regrowth. Nick is placed on medicated eyes drops to help the eyes to heal properly.
- 12.11.21
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Nick is recovering well from his surgery!
- 12.28.21
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Nick Miller is continuing to improve and will hopefully be ready for his next surgery soon!
- 1.19.22
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Nick went for a recheck CT and is ready for next surgery!
- 2.4.22
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Our team is deeply saddened to report that Nick Miller unfortunately passed away after surgery. A necropsy was performed to help hopefully determine cause of death and to learn more about his case.
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.