Final Disposition
Euthanized
01/01/2022 Turtle was found washed into the mangroves near the South Skyway Fishing Pier in Terra Ceia Bay, Manatee County. Animal was transported to Mote for rehabilitation. Initial exam findings show that turtle is very underweight and completely covered in thick algae. Blood work reveals extreme anemia, very low blood glucose, and very low calcium. “Jackie” was given dextrose intravenously, subcutaneous fluids, and injectable calcium. She is in a very shallow rehab. pool since she is very lethargic and taking infrequent, small breaths.
01/03/2022 Jackie ate some sea grass today! Her respirations are slowly improving. She will be given injectable antibiotics every 3 days until white blood cell count normalizes.
01/08/2022 Jackie is still lethargic, but she will occasionally eat squid and sea grass offered and continues to eat a little more each day.
01/15/2022 When turtle was taken out of the water for blood work and an antibiotic injection, it was noted that she was extremely weak and had a severe prolapse of the cloaca. Due to lack of response and poor prognosis, animal was humanely euthanized.