Final Disposition
Died May 7, 2004 of ruptured aorta
This turtle was found near Big Pass, Sarasota, and was brought to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital for care. Turtle is very anemic, lethargic, dehydrated, probably suffering from the same condition that the last four stranders have had. Have started on fluids, antibiotics, and EPO.
5/7 Turtle ate a little this morning and is “hanging in there.”
5/8 Late yesterday, the turtle became weak and died rather suddenly. Necropsy this morning indicated a ruptured aorta and subsequent hemorrhage as the cause of death. It is unknown how such a rupture could have occurred.
Frontal view
Side view