Opal
- Patient Status
- Released
- Date Found
- May 7, 2024
- Location
- New Port Richey; Pasco county
- Reason for Rescue
- Buoyant
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 10.9 kg (24 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 44.9 cm
- Exam Findings
- Good body condition. Small amount of fibropapilloma tumors present.
- Initial Treatment
- Fluids and vitamins
Opal’s Story
Opal is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating with issues staying submerged in New Port Richey on May 7th. Opal has a good body condition and minimal fibropapilloma tumors present. Our team will be performing diagnostics over the next few days to help determine the cause of their buoyancy issue. Opal’s initial treatment plan consists of fluids and vitamins.
INTERESTING FACT: Naming theme: Gemstones + Minerals
Treatment Updates
- 5.8.24
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Opal’s first swim test did show buoyancy issues. They were placed in a shallow pool due to this behavior. We will continue to monitor. Radiographs revealed a lot of gastrointestinal gas.
- 5.10.24
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Opal’s CT scan showed internal abnormalities that could be GI related or potentially something more serious. We will continue to monitor defecations and do a recheck CT in a few weeks.
- 5.15.24
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Opal is able to be in deep water all day and overnight. They are continuing to rest at the surface and having issues staying submerged. We are continuing to do daily fluid therapy. They are defecating and also showing interest in food.
- 5.27.24
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Opal went for a recheck CT. The previous abnormalities seen have now resolved. Opal is still floating at the surface and having issues stayed submerged. They are continuing to eat well and have normal defecations.
- 6.7.24
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Opal is continuing to eat well. There have been some improvements in their dive patterns.
- 6.26.24
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Opal has been resting on the bottom consistently in the last week!
- 7.11.24
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Opal was been cleared for release by our staff veterinarians and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and released into the wild.
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.