This turtle was found on Holmes Beach in the surf and was transported by Anna Maria Turtle Watch personnel to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. Turtle was covered in barnacles and algae and had lost considerable weight. It was very anemic, similar to several other turtles seen here in the last year. It was started on antibiotics and given fluids. 4/3 Turtle has all indications of aplastic anemia. It was started on erythropoietin yesterday and was given a blood transfusion and more fluids this morning. It is showing a little interest in food and is able to swim a little. Radiographs this morning showed the lungs to be clear and no evidence of hooks inside. 4/4 Turtle is much more active and its appetite is very good today. 4/12 Turtle has been moved to larger tank with deeper water and seems to be doing well in it. Appetite continues to be good and the turtle's anemia seems to be responding to treatment. 4/20 Anemia continues to improve and turtle is swimming more of the time. 4/22 Anemia is no better today, but appetite continues to be good. More active each day. 4/25 Continuing to have anemia problems, but appetite is good. 4/29 Turtle's bone marrow is finally responding and the anemia is improving. Turtle is gaining weight. 5/5 Anemia is dramatically improved and turtle continues to do well. 5/8 Turtle continues to do very well and anemia continues to resolve. 5/14 Turtle continues to gain weight and do well. Turtle is now off all meds. 5/19 Anemia is almost resolved at this time and turtle continues to do very well. 5/26 Continuing to do well and anemia continues to improve. 6/5 Turtle is doing very well and may be approaching release in the next month. 6/13 Continuing to do well. Will make decision regarding release this week. 6/19 Turtle has been cleared for release next week and has been tagged in preparation for release. 6/22 Turtle was released this morning near Marco Island. Swam off well.

Frontal view

Lateral view