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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Twix

Former Patients Updated June 2, 2021 Posted December 18, 2020

juvenile green sea turtle Twix

Twix

Juvenile, Green (Chelonia mydas)
juvenile green sea turtle Twix
Patient Status
Former
Date Found
November 28, 2020
Location
Crystal River; Citrus County
Reason for Rescue
Ingested fishing line

Initial Assessment

Weight
3.26 kg (7.2 lbs)
SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
31.2cm
Exam Findings
Quiet but responsive; Ingested fishing line. Has has pap tumors on both eyes.
Initial Treatment
Received vitamins, antibiotics & fluids.

Twix’s Story

Twix is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found in Crystal River in Citrus County on November 28, 2020. Twix had ingested a fishing line. The fishing line was removed from the mouth prior to Twix’s arrival to CMA. X-rays confirmed there was no hook! Twix also several fibropapilloma tumors on his body, including both eyes. Twix’s initial treatment plan includes vitamin injections, antibiotics, and fluids.

It is important to remember to always properly dispose of your fishing gear!

Treatment Updates

11.30.20

Twix was placed in water for a swim test for a few hours. He was able to dive, stay submerged, and rest on the bottom! We will continue to increase his swim time as he improves.

We are continuing to do glucose checks and give fluids if needed.

12.2.20

Twix is continuing to improve and is able to be in a deep water all day and overnight!

12.4.20

He is eating and will be starting on a diet and oral medications.

12.8.20

Twix went for a routine CT scan. No obvious internal tumors were seen!

12.17.20

Twix is continuing to eat well and diet has been increased!

12.31.20

Twix is continuing to eat well, increasing diet!

1.21.21

Twix’s oral medications were adjusted based on recent lab-work.

Twix is continuing to do well!

2.25.21

Twix went for a routine recheck CT. No obvious abnormalities seen.

Twix is ready for surgery!

4.7.21

Twix was placed under general anesthesia and successfully had all eye pap tumors removed. He will also be on eye drops to help his eyes heal.

His skin tumors will be removed as a later time as he improves.

4.28.21

Twix is recovering well from his surgery!

Our team has noticed an improvement in his foraging behaviors since his eye tumors have been removed. He is eating well!

5.31.21

Twix went for a routine check CT scan to check for signs of disease progression. Unfortunately, Twix has developed internal tumors and was humanely euthanized.


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.

Previous Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Twizzler
Next Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Skittles

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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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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