"Superbowl" was found floating about 6 miles offshore from Anna Maria Island by a local fisherman, Steve Plath. The turtle is very lethargic and has lost a good deal of weight. Diagnosis awaits test results. 1/29 Turtle is severely dehydrated and has kidney problems. It has been started on fluids and antibiotics. We plan to take radiographs (x-rays) this afternoon. 1/31 This turtle is slowly gaining strength. We started force-feeding of gruel this morning. Turtle is becoming less dehydrated. 2/5 Superbowl is slowly improving. It is not yet eating on its own but is swimming and showing interest in food. It has a severe intestinal infection and is being treated with antibiotics for that. 2/9 Turtle still showing interest in food but not eating. It is being force-fed twice daily. Its white count is normal and is more active in the tank. 2/12 Bad News... the turtle died late yesterday afternoon. A necropsy will be performed later today to determine the cause of death and the cause of the illness. 2/14 Necropsy revealed a perforated ulcer in the lower esophagus and numerous gastric ulcers. Cause of death was ceolomitis (peritonitis) from the perforated ulcer.
 

Superbowl on arrival


Get Well Card sent to Superbowl by the Pre-K class at Sunshine Academy in Bradenton, Florida