Captain

Final Disposition
Turtle was humanely euthanized after several inoperable internal tumors were found.
Captain upon admission to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital.
12/13 Captain arrived at Mote. Despite numerous papilloma tumors, the turtle was very alert. Papilloma tumors are caused by a condition called Fibropapillomatosis. The cause of this disease is still unknown, but research indicates that it could be caused by a virus. The tumors are highly vascularized, which means they have a large and abundant blood flow throughout. They require special laser surgery to be removed. Captain was weighed, X-rayed, given fluids and blood samples were taken for analysis. Due to the turtle’s feisty nature, water testing went smoothly. Captain even ate within an hour of arrival. 
12/20 Captain continues to eat well. The turtle receives antibiotics daily and is scheduled to have surgery to remove the tumors in mid-January. 
1/29 Captain had surgery and most of the tumors were removed. The turtle recovered quickly and began eating within a few hours; a second surgery will be needed to remove the remaining tumors. 
2/25 Captain had more X-rays to determine whether he has internal tumors. 
3/28 After extensive examination of X-rays and an MRI, Mote’s veterinarian determined that Captain had several internal tumors that were inoperable. Captain was humanely euthanized and a later necropsy showed several abnormalities on the turtle’s internal organs, in addition to the tumors.