Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Stranding Location: Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island, SC
Arrival Date: 2/26/2017
Age: Juvenile
Weight: 6.5 lbs
Case History
Cove was found floating on the water’s surface by citizens in Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island. Once South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) was called, volunteer transporter Amber Kuehan quickly responded. Michelle Patte, SCDNR Sea Turtle Coordinator, met Amber halfway between Hilton Head and Charleston and transported this little green to our hospital. Upon arrival, Cove was alert and responsive, but he did have a lowered heart rate and was missing a left, rear flipper. Cove is the first patient that we have admitted to our hospital this year!
Treatment:
Our Sea Turtle Care Center staff quickly admitted Cove, gave him an initial exam, pulled blood and took radiographs. Radiographs revealed a significant amount of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, and bloodwork results indicated that Cove was dehydrated. Subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids and vitamins were administered to treat dehydration and a course of antibiotics was started. Aquarium veterinarian, Dr. Shane Boylan, also examined both of Cove’s eyes, which were positive for corneal abrasions. The missing left, rear flipper was already healed and was most likely caused by a predator attack. Though Cove was pretty active, he was placed in a tub with shallow water overnight.
Updates
March 1, 2017: The day after admit, Cove was tube fed a radiopaque liquid that allows us to view the GI contents through a series of radiographs. Cove defecated a small amount and tested negative for any intestinal parasites. Since Cove cannot dive to rest on the bottom of the tank, he was placed in a tank with very shallow water. We are currently treating the corneal abrasions with ophthalmic antibiotic drops, and Cove will be pulled every three days for an antibiotic injection.
April 3, 2017: Cove is doing wonderfully! Cove is eating all of his/ greens and protein, and he is gaining weight! Sea Turtle Care Center staff has provided this energetic, young turtle with an enrichment “cove” to hide under.
May 5, 2017: Cove received a physical exam along with a blood draw this week. Pending bloodwork results, Cove is almost ready for release! Cove is one energetic and sassy patient! Though Cove is too small to receive flipper tags, she received a P.I.T tag, which is similar to a microchip, underneath her skin.
Release Date
May 10, 2017
Release Location
Isle of Palms County Park