Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Arrival Date: 9/19/24
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 1.65 kg (3.64 lbs)

Case History

This juvenile Kemps ridley sea turtle was hooked by a fisherman at Lakewood Campground in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Unfortunately, the fisherman cut the line before permitted volunteers were able to communicate instructions not to. Leaving the fishing line attached to the hook(s) is incredibly helpful in the removal of ingested fishing hooks. This line acts as a guide to the eye of the hook and can be crucial in preventing the hook from being swallowed and traveling deeper into the esophagus. Many thanks to the permitted volunteers who helped transport this animal safely into our care at the Aquarium.

Treatment

Upon admit, we began by taking a radiograph to determine how many fishing hooks had been ingested and how they were positioned. The radiograph showed two large hooks, with many barbs along them. Because of the size of the hooks, the presence of the barbs and Crumpet’s activity level, we opted to place Crumpet in a tank overnight. This allowed Crumpet time to relax and rest before we attempted to remove the hooks the following morning. Based on the radiographs, we planned to remove the hooks orally but were prepared to go into surgery in case an oral removal was not possible. Crumpet was in good body condition and had great bloodwork results which bodes well for her/his recovery!

Updates

September 20, 2024: The next morning, Crumpet was sedated before we began trying to remove the hooks. We were able to quickly locate both hooks within the esophagus! We carefully and precisely disentangled the two hooks from each other and began the removal, which included carefully cutting the hooks into smaller pieces to minimize damage caused by the barbs. We successfully removed both hooks, but Crumpet will need quite some time to heal from the damage they and the barbs caused in her/his esophagus.