Williamson
- Patient Status
- Released December 21, 2021
- Date Found
- April 15, 2020
- Location
- Crystal River; Citrus County
- Reason for Rescue
- Found Floating.
Initial Assessment
- Weight
- 13.85 kg (30.5 lbs)
- SCL (Straight Carapace Length)
- 48.7 cm
- Exam Findings
- Alert, responsive and good body condition. There are old, partially healed injuries to carapace (shell).
- Initial Treatment
- Received vitamin injections, fluids and antibiotics.
Williamson’s Story
Williamson is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating in the Crystal River area in Citrus County. Upon intake, Williamson was covered with a large amount epibiota and leeches. He has a minor case of fibropapilloma tumors. There are old, partially healed injures to Williamson’s carapace, as well as, a “hump” appearance to his shell. Williamson’s initial treatment plan consists of vitamin injections, fluids, and antibiotics.
Treatment Updates
- 4.17.20
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X-rays were completed and blood work was sent off to the lab. The first swim test was performed. Williamson is buoyant when swimming.
- 4.18.20
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He was offered food and ate it all! He officially starts on a diet tomorrow.
- 4.21.20
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We are continuing to do glucose checks and are giving his fluids if needed. We are monitoring his buoyancy and deep water swim time. He is continuing to eat well!
- 5.14.20
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Routine wound care was performed on Williamson’s carapace injuries. This is to help them heal properly. We are continuing to monitor his buoyancy.
- 6.3.20
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Williamson underwent an extensive wound care procedure under general anesthesia. Williamson’s wounds were thoroughly cleaned and maintained in order to encourage proper healing.
- 6.19.20
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His wounds are continuing to heal. We are doing routine wound cleanings and bandage changes weekly or as often as needed. He is continuing to eat well.
- 7.3.20
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Williamson was seen resting on the bottom for the first time! This is very exciting and encouraging for his rehab progress!
- 7.15.20
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Williamson is continuing to rest on the bottom! Wound care was performed to his carapace injuries.
- 9.9.20
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Williamson’s carapace (shell) wounds are healing great. The scute pigmentation* is starting to return as a part of the healing process! His diet was adjusted to include more greens. He is continuing to rest on the bottom.
*Interesting Fact: A sea turtle’s carapace is comprised of “scutes.” These scutes are made up of keratin!
- 9.25.20
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Williamson went for a CT scan. No internal tumors were seen. He is approved to have surgery to remove external tumors! The CT scan also revealed trauma to his spine which could likely be the cause of his buoyancy issues.
- 10.7.20
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He had surgery to remove his pap tumors and the procedure went well. Over the next few weeks, we will be monitoring his surgical sites for healing and tumor regrowth.
- 12.31.20
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Williamson is continuing to eat well.
We are still monitoring his buoyancy issue.
Surgical sites have healed well!
- 3.14.21
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We have been monitoring Williamson’s buoyancy issue over the last couple of months.
Williamson has recently been seen resting on the bottom, caudal end up, continously!
- 7.22.21
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Williamson had a rountine medical examination. We complete frequent medical examinations on our animals to continue to monitor their health and behaviors. We are happy to report that Williamson has not shown any tumor regrowth since surgery!
- 10.7.21
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Williamson’s routine exam today was to assess his tumor status. It has been one year since Williamson’s tumors were removed. Our veterinarian saw no new tumors or regrowth from previous surgical sites. Williamson is tumor free!
It was decided to move Williamson to our non-pap rehab side. We are still monitoring his buoyancy disorder. He is able to rest on the bottom of his pool, caudal end up, but does rest at the surface as well.
- 10.15.21
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Williamson has acclimated well to his new pool in our backyard rehab area!
- 11.30.21
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Williamson was moved to a separate deep-water (15 feet) habitat at CMA for a deep water swim trial to evaluate his buoyancy disorder. Over the next few weeks, our team will be monitoring his swimming, foraging, and resting behaviors. Based on the deep water swim trial, Williamson could be cleared for release or deemed non-releasable by our staff veterinarian and FWC.
- 12.14.21
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Williamson is able to rest and forage off the bottom of the deep water habitat! He has no issues staying submerged. Our team is very excited about this!
Our veterinarian will look over his ethogram (behavior log) and will consult with FWC regarding if He is cleared for release or deemed non-releasable
- 12.21.21
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Williamson was released at Honeymoon Island!
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.