Quaker
- Patient Status
- Released July 18, 2017
- Date Found
- May 12, 2017
- Location Found
- Homosassa Bay, south of Entrance Channel, Citrus County, FL
- Reason for Rescue
- Fibropapilloma tumors; Monofilament fishing line entanglement
TRIAGE
- WEIGHT
- 10.0 kg (22.05 lbs)
- SCL (STRAIGHT CARAPACE LENGTH)
- 42.4 cm (16.69 in)
- EXAM FINDINGS
- Good body condition, small fibropapilloma tumors on flippers. Fishing line severely constricted the right front flipper causing a deep wound
- INITIAL TREATMENT
- Received vitamins, antibiotics, fluids, and wound care
QUAKER’S STORY
On May 12, 2017, a juvenile green sea turtle with fishing line entangling its right front flipper was found floating in Homosassa Bay. The turtle was brought to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for triage, upon which it was also discovered the turtle had fibropapilloma tumors.
While the cause of fibropapillomatosis is still unknown, we can help prevent turtles from getting entangled in derelict fishing line by cleaning up after ourselves when done fishing, and disposing of all loose fishing line in proper waste disopsal bins.
- Naming Theme
- Cereal
- Did You Know?
- Monofilament fishing line is a huge problem for sea turtles. The turtles can either get tangled in derelict line or they can ingest it causing problems for their digestive tract.
TREATMENT UPDATES
- 5.15.17
-
Started on a daily regimen of antibiotics, fluids and glucose checks
- 5.17.17
-
Swim tested in deep water; slowly began increasing deep water time
- 5.18.17
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Offered food for the first time; slowly began increasing daily diet
- 5.26.17
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Discontinued glucose checks and fluids
- 5.30.17
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Discontinued injectible meds
- 6.6.17
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Successful surgical removal of fibropapilloma tumor
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-17-172.