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Case Synopsis for Louie

aka JJF990307-01

Species: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Age Class: Juvenile
Gender: Unknown
Date Stranded: March 7, 1999
Location of Stranding: Gulf of Mexico
Date of Arrival: March 7, 1999
Number of Days of Care: 136
Final Disposition: Released 22 July 1999 near original stranding site in Gulf of Mexico

Comments/Disposition: Louie was admitted to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital because of a large wound on the back of his neck involving the entire area between his head and his carapace. The wound was cleaned and treated topically. Louie received systemic antibiotics to control infection. The wound healed over about a three month period with no restriction of movement of the head. He was released back into the wild.

Lessons: Even fairly large wounds will heal in sea turtles with a minimum of scarring and a minimum of scar retraction.


On arrival

Large would on neck

Burrowing Barnacles

Turtle during treatment

Final condition
(compare to image above)

Final condition of flipper
(compare to image above)


Back to the sea!


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