Comments/Disposition:

1/27 Turtle
arrived after initially being treated at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.
Turtle was cold-stunned and has fibropapillomas (tumors) and had
monofilament line coming from its mouth. The line was removed at Gumbo
Limbo. Since arrival, turtle has been warmed in a medical pool and is
eating. Radiographs are planned to determine whether there are any other
fishing-gear related internal injuries. (42cm; 10.4kg) 3/14
Turtle had some difficulty eating after arrival, and an exam revealed a
large wound inside the mouth as a result of the monofilament.
Radiographs showed no evidence of other injuries from the monofilament
and no sign of a fishhook. The mouth wound has healed well and Limbo is
now eating everything offered. Surgery was performed to remove
papilloma tumors, including tumors on both eyes. Limbo is now
recovering in a large rehabilitation pool with three other green sea
turtles and is being monitored for any signs of tumor regrowth or
complications from the eye surgery. 4/3 At last exam, turtle was
looking good — eyes are almost healed and there is no sign of tumor
regrowth. Limbo continues to eat well and gain weight; planning release
for sometime in the near future. 4/17 Limbo's most recent
bloodwork showed a low red blood cell count and we are monitoring
closely for an increase. Hopefully will still be able to release pretty
soon if turtle shows a response. 4/28 Gumbo and Limbo were
transported by FWC staff across the state to be released back on the
East Coast yesterday!

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