Surfer Boy

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

(ST0324)

Age Class	Juvenile
Gender	Male
Date Stranded	May 10, 2003
Location of Stranding	Turtle Beach, Siesta Key
Date of Arrival	May 10, 2003
Number of Days of Care	33 days

Final Disposition

Died 6/12/03

This turtle was found floating in the surf just north of Turtle Beach. It had numerous barnacles on it and was extremely lethargic with no flipper movement and few reflexes. It was admitted to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital where it was started on antibiotics, intravenous and subcutaneous fluids, and supplementation. Will stomach tube it until it begins to eat on its own. Will not be placed into water until it can raise its head to breath. 5/23 Turtle was placed in shallow water this morning and it was able to breath well. Will begin offering solid food later today. 6/9 Turtle has no interest in solid food and is being given gruel twice daily. The turtle is still very lethargic and staff is concerned about the turtle's lack of responsiveness. White count is still elevated, but have changed antibiotics. 6/15 Turtle did not respond to new antibiotics and died. Necropsy showed intestinal irritation, liver lesions, and possible brain lesions. Will await the results of histopathology for final diagnosis.

Dorsal view