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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Ninja

Former Patients Updated November 28, 2018 Posted October 11, 2018

Ninja

Ninja

Juvenile, Green (Chelonia mydas)
sea turtle patient
Patient Status
Released on November 1, 2018
Date Found
August 24, 2018
Location
Fred Howard Causeway, 1st bridge; Pinellas County
Reason for Rescue
Fishing line entanglement and several fibropapilloma tumors present.

Triage

Weight
3.85 kg
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
33.2 cm
Exam Findings
Good body condition. Fishing line wrapped around left front flipper and continued down esophagus. Several fibropapilloma tumors: one large on left eye and left front flipper. The left front flipper was swollen as well.
Initial Treatment
Fluids, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication.

Ninja’s Story

Ninja is a juvenile green sea turtle who was rescued near the first bridge on the Fred Howard Causeway on August 24, 2018. Ninja was wrapped in several fishing lines, especially around the left front flipper. The sea turtle had also swallowed fishing line, which could be seen down its esophagus. X-rays were taken to evaluate for the presence of a hook, but none was found. Ninja was able to pass the fishing line without problem and has been eating and swimming normally. Read our fishing gear tips to help protect sea turtles.

Ninja also has fibropapilloma (FP) tumors on his body, caused by the fibropapilloma virus. Once Ninja is ready, he will receive surgery to remove the tumors on his body. After Ninja recovers, he will hopefully be ready to return to the wild.

What is the Fibropapilloma Virus?

Fibropapilloma virus is a virus found primarily in green sea turtles that causes tumors to grow externally on soft tissues, including eyes and flippers. Over time, these tumors can grow so big they block vision or cause a loss of mobility in the animal. Not a lot is known conclusively about the virus yet, but it is considered contagious amongst sea turtles. CMA is one of six rehabilitation centers in the state of Florida that is able to house and treat sea turtles with FP tumors.

NAMING THEME: Games.

TREATMENT UPDATES

8.25.18

Radiographs done (no hook present) and bloodwork sent to the lab.

8.27.18

Started on diet.

8.31.18

Passed part of fishing line.

9.1.18

Passed the rest of the fishing line.

9.12.18

Successful surgery for removal of fibropapilloma tumors.

9.13.18

On therapeutic eye drops. This is to help the eyes heal after tumor removal.

10.10.18

Gaining weight. Doing and healing well.

11.1.18

Released!


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-18-172.

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We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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