loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Stranding Location: In-water capture near Bulls Bay, SC
Arrival Date: 06/18/2012
Age: juvenile
Weight: 25.64 kg (57 lb)
Case History
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) in-water research vessel, the Lady Lisa, captured a second loggerhead sea turtle this season that required admission into our sea turtle hospital. While trawling for turtles near Bulls Bay, SC, this juvenile we’ve named “Bulls Bay” sustained a stingray barb injury to his right eye region while being brought on board. In addition, Bulls’ blood work was very poor and indicated he was struggling in the wild. Mike Arendt and his SCDNR crew transported this turtle from the research vessel to STRP staff waiting on shore at 10:00 P.M. Monday night, and Bulls arrived at our hospital shortly thereafter.
Treatment
Initial treatment included fluids, antibiotics, and a thorough physical exam to ensure Bulls’ wounds were limited to the tissues surrounding the right eye. Results of the fluoroscein stain applied to the eye were promising and showed that Bulls did not sustain any corneal abrasions. Radiographs were also clear. Bulls’ blood work (PCV 22%, TS 0.6) will hopefully improve with the healthy diet we offer our turtles, and we anticipate this animal will return to the wild in top condition later this year.
Updates
1 July 2012: Bulls is finally eating! He seemed excessively lethargic and inappetant the first week he was here, but is now consuming mackerel and chasing down live blue crabs like crazy (thank you to those who have been donating crabs!). His blood work raises many questions about his health issues, however, so we will continue to closely monitor his health.
3 September 2012: Bulls is eating well, enjoying both his seafood diet and live blue crabs that are donated by our volunteers. We are still monitoring his blood work for improvement, and the large barnacles on his shell are being used for research by Dr. John Zardus at the Citadel. What a great partnership!
Release Date
02/15/2013
Release Location
Gulf Stream offshore of North Carolina