Wheat
- Patient Status
- Former
- Date Found
- November 9, 2023
- Location
- Terra Ceia; Manatee County
- Reason for Rescue
- Entanglement and fishing line ingestion
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 13.54 kg (29.79 lbs)
- Carapace Length
- 52.4 cm
- Exam Findings
- Thin, lethargic, moderate amount of epibiota coverage, large fibropapilloma tumors present and tumors on both eyes
- Initial Treatment
- Vitamins,Fluids, and Antibiotics
Wheat’s Story
Wheat is a large, juvenile green sea turtle who was entangled and ingested fishing line offshore Terra Ceia in Manatee County. Wheat appears very debilitated with several large fibropapilloma tumors present. Unfortunately the fishing line was cut at the mouth prior to arriving at CMA which makes removal more difficult as they will ingest the fishing line more. When encountering sea turtles with ingested fishing line, it is recommended to secure the line to their carapace with tape to prevent further ingestion. Radiographs at intake also confirmed there was no hook attached to the line. It is also important to always dispose of your fishing gear properly! Fishing line can cause severe and even fatal complications to an animal’s gastrointestinal tract if consumed. Wheat’s initial treatment plan consists of antibiotics, vitamins, and fluids.
Treatment Updates
- 11.11.23
-
Wheat was swim tested for the first time. Wheat exhibited floating and lethargic behaviors in water. Due to this, they were placed in a shallow pool to help achieve better breaths. We will gradually increase swim time as their health improves.
- 11.14.23
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Wheat went for a CT scan. There were no obvious internal tumors seen. We are continuing to do glucose checks and giving fluids.
- 11.16.23
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An endoscopy was performed on Wheat to check for esophageal fibropapilloma tumors and remaining fishing line. There was nothing concerning found. We started offering a small amount of squid, and Wheat showed interest! Over the next few weeks, we will be monitoring for defecations for fishing line or any other issues related to the gastrointestinal tract. Wheat has been able to be in a shallow pool all day. Wheat is still in a guarded condition but is showing some signs of improvement!
- 11.21.23
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Wheat has been showing signs of inappetence over the last few days. We started a barium radiograph series on Wheat. This is a contrast study that will hopefully help us see any gastrointestinal abnormalities that could be related to fishing line. Wheat is able to be in water all day, and we have started to incorporate deep water swimming.
- 11.29.23
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Wheat continued to show inappetence over the last week, but did have small defecations. However, we are saddened to say that Wheat passed away on their own overnight. A necropsy will be performed to learn more about their 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-23/24-172.