Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)

Stranding Location: Hyde County, NC

Arrival Date: 12/13/2010

Age: juvenile

Weight: 9.50 kg (~21 lb)

Case History

In an effort to help North Carolina facilities overwhelmed by a large number of cold-stunned sea turtles that stranded in early December, nine sea turtles were transferred to the SCA’s Sea Turtle Hospital on 13 December 2010. Hyde, a juvenile 7.22 kg Kemp’s ridley, is one of two Kemp’s ridleys received from NC.

Treatment

Hyde arrived in comparatively poorer shape than the other eight turtles admitted due to the NC cold-stun event. In addition to being started on two separate antibiotics, Hyde received a complete physical, fluids, radiographs, and blood work. He is being housed with Guardian, the other NC Kemp’s ridley.

Updates

5 January 2011: This stubborn little ridley initially refused to eat and received fluids on multiple occasions. However, we have discovered Hyde loves salmon and he’s been eating well since 1 January. We are seeing improvements in his behavior, although it is still somewhat abnormal.

15 January 2011: Radiographs revealed the possible development of osteomyelitis in the distal tibia last week despite the continuation of antibiotic treatment. This means that Hyde will be in our care until the bone infection is under control (he’s potentially in for a long rehabilitation). While his recent blood work was fairly good, we are still seeing a mildly elevated WBC count.

8 February 2011: Hyde’s body condition is excellent, and radiographs today showed no signs of osteomyelitis. We also love the fact that Hyde loves his enrichment tube; Hyde loves to hide!

7 May 2011: Good luck, Hyde!

Release Date

05/07/2011

Release Location

Isle of Palms County Park, SC