Final Disposition
Released 12 July 2013
Blastoise upon admission
Radiograph of Blastoise showing hook ingestion.
3/29 Turtle arrived with monofilament line protruding from mouth. Line was also wrapped around left front and rear flippers but was cut off by the fishermen who found the turtle. Turtle was also dragging other marine debris behind it when found. Radiographs show that turtle has ingested two hooks and swivel along with the monofilament line. Close monitoring of the hooks will take place through regular radiographs. Turtle is receiving antibiotic treatments.
4/5 Turtle is accepting food offered and defecating. Radiographs show that hooks are moving slowly through the GI tract.
4/15 Turtle passed one of the hooks on its own, radiographs show that the other hook is not moving.
4/28 Turtle underwent surgery to remove the 2nd hook. Some monofilament line, weight, and swivel were still left. Turtle recovered well from surgery.
5/2 Turtle passed monofilament line, swivel and weight. Turtle is on antibiotic treatment and iron injections.
5/20 All sutures have been removed from surgery site. Animal continues to eat well and is off all antibiotics.
6/17 Treating for wound on back of neck due to animal pacing. Will add shade cloth structure in hopes to alleviate stress.
6/30 Animal has been medically cleared for release. All issues have been resolved.
7/12 Released off Manasota Key.