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Case Synopsis for Captain
aka ST10169
Species: Green (Chelonia mydas)
Age Class: Juvenile
Gender: Unknown
Date Stranded: Dec. 12, 2010
Location of Stranding: Intake Canal at St. Lucie Power Plant
Date of Arrival: Dec. 13, 2010
Number of Days of Care:
Final Disposition: Turtle was humanely euthanized after several inoperable internal tumors were found.
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Comments/Disposition:
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| Captain upon admission to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. |
12/13
Captain arrived at Mote. Despite numerous papilloma tumors, the turtle
was very alert. Papilloma tumors are caused by a condition called Fibropapillomatosis.
The cause of this disease is still unknown, but research indicates that
it could be caused by a virus. The tumors are highly vascularized,
which means they have a large and abundant blood flow throughout. They
require special laser surgery to be removed. Captain was weighed,
X-rayed, given fluids and blood samples were taken for analysis. Due to
the turtle's feisty nature, water testing went smoothly. Captain even
ate within an hour of arrival. 12/20 Captain continues
to eat well. The turtle receives antibiotics daily and is scheduled to
have surgery to remove the tumors in mid-January. 1/29
Captain had surgery and most of the tumors were removed. The turtle recovered
quickly and began eating within a few hours; a second surgery will be needed to remove the remaining tumors. 2/25 Captain had more X-rays to determine whether he has internal tumors. 3/28
After extensive examination of X-rays and an MRI, Mote's veterinarian
determined that Captain had several internal tumors that were
inoperable. Captain was humanely euthanized and a later necropsy showed
several abnormalities on the turtle's internal organs, in addition to
the tumors.
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Turtles
with Fibropapillomatosis require very expensive
treatment, including laser surgery to remove the tumors. Please click
here to make a donation that will help us treat Captain and other
turtles with papilloma tumors. |
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