"Edge"
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Folly Beach, SC
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09/06/2011
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juvenile
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3.57 kg (~8 lb)
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Charlotte Hope of SCDNR delivered this little 3.57 kg Kemp's ridley to us on September 6th, not long after the passage of Hurricane Irene. Named "Edge" as a reference to his stranding on Folly Beach, affectionately known locally as the "Edge of America" (please note the easternmost point of the U.S. is actually in Maine), this little ridley arrived with no obvious clues as to why s/he stranded. While Edge was very thin and lethargic, initial examination revealed no external injuries, no fishing hooks, and only minor excess gas in the GI tract.
Initial treatment included fluids, radiographs, antibiotics, and blood work (blood work was poor but not nearly as bad as we typically see). Although his heart rate was fairly strong at 36 bpm, Edge was extremely lethargic. In water, s/he floats asymmetrically with his right side slightly elevated (see picture).
14 September 2011: Edge is very weak, remains inappetant, and is exhibiting what appear to be neurological symptoms (head tilt and odd flipper use). When food is placed in his beak, s/he chews on it a bit but doesn't spit it out or swallow it as we normally see. Radiographs and an ultrasound yesterday revealed no additional problems, although we are beginning to suspect a possible impaction that may not be visible yet on x-rays (like plastics). Egde was given an enema which helped to remove a bit of gas in the GI tract, and we are initiating a barium study.
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Photo thanks to Barbara Bergwerf
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