05/10/2017  Animal was found floating 1/2 mile south of Stump Pass Inlet in Charlotte County and was transported to Mote for rehab.  Initial physical exam revealed deep lacerations on the ventral side between the neck and plastron.  Weight: 141 lbs (animal is emaciated).  Blood work reveals that animal is very anemic and has a low blood glucose.  Toughy was started on subcutaneous fluids with dextrose and injectable antibiotics.  Put in a rehab. pool at a very low water level overnight.  

05/11/2017  Toughy ate one shrimp this morning, otherwise has no interest in food.  Will be given subcutaneous fluids until eating better.

05/12/2017  Toughy ate a couple more pieces of food this morning.  Animal is still very lethargic.

05/18/2017   Animal is still in a tank at low water level because it continues to float.  Will forage well for all food types offered.

05/20/207  Toughy continues to eat well and was switched from an injectable to an oral antibiotic. 

06/03/2017  Bouyancy issues have not yet resolved so Toughy is still being kept in a shallow tank.  Animal is very lethargic, but will actively forage for food.  Wound on ventral side is starting to heal.

06/16/2017  Animal continues to eat well and gain weight, but is still lethargic.

07/06/2017  Water level was increased to full depth and animal was seen neutrally buoyant and resting on the bottom!  

08/11/2017  Turtle's wounds are healing very well!  Toughy is active and eating voraciously.  Blood work is much improved so antibiotics were discontinued.

09/07/2017 Toughy was released at Lido Beach by Mote staff and interns!