Final Disposition
Released
11/06/2022 Turtle came in through the bilge pump of a dredge in Tampa Harbor. Turtle was held on the dredge overnight.
11/07/2022 Turtle was transported to Mote. Blood work indicates the animal has a very elevated white blood cell count and wounds likely sustained from being sucked up in the bilge. Gus was given subcutaneous fluids and started on injectable antibiotics. He ate squid when offered today.
11/11/2022 Gus is very active and spends most of the day swimming. He is eating consistently.
12/01/2022 Gus continues to improve. His wounds are healing well. He was switched from injectable to oral antibiotics since he is eating well and to minimize handling.
01/07/2023 Gus’s wounds are healing nicely and his blood values are improving. Antibiotics were discontinued.
01/28/2023 Gus is very active and eating well. He is being given iron injections twice weekly, since he blood values still indicate a slight anemia.
02/11/2023 Gus is still anemic despite iron injections. He will be given an anti-parasitic now and it will be repeated it in 2 weeks.
02/22/2023 Blood values are improving.
02/24/2023 Gus was released at Honeymoon Island State Park!