Patient Updates

Final Disposition
Released July 12, 2010
Turtle upon arrival (2/28)Turtle at release (7/12)
3/1/2010 Turtle was found by boaters floating in Sarasota Bay. Turtle has multiple small papilloma’s (tumors) around the base of the flippers and on the right eye.  
3/6 Turtle had laser surgery today to remove the papilloma turtles. 
3/21 Bob Marley is doing well — appetite is great, and there is currently no sign of tumor regrowth. He is sharing a tank with another small green sea turtle, Hayley, and the two are getting along well. 
3/27 Bloodwork from this week looks good. Have discontinued all antibiotics and will monitor blood cell count. There is one area of concern on his right eye that may be early pap regrowth. We will be monitoring this closely. Appetite and activity level continue to be very good.  
4/15 Bob Marley had minor surgery last weekend to remove a small papilloma on his eyelid and several other suspicious areas. He recovered from the surgery very well and is eating and acting normally. Bloodwork has been looking good, so turtle will be an excellent candidate for release when the wounds heal as long as there are no signs of tumor regrowth. 
5/6 Bob Marley has small areas of concern on his eyelids that are possible pap regrowth’s. We are monitoring closely, and he will likely need another minor surgery. Turtle is otherwise doing very well.  
5/23 Turtle had surgery yesterday to remove the small paps on his eyelids and some very early regrowths on his flippers. Bob Marley recovered very well from the anesthesia and was returned to the water within a few hours. Turtle continues to eat well and behave normally. Release will be considered when the wounds are healed if there is no sign of tumor regrowth. 
6/8 Bob Marley is doing well. Most recent bloodwork shows an elevated white cell count possibly consistent with parasites and the turtle is being treated for this. Currently there are no signs of tumor regrowth and we will continue to monitor that closely. 
6/22 Bob Marley has recently been moved into a larger tank to encourage natural feeding behaviors in hopes of releasing him soon. 
7/12 Turtle was released today!!