Turtle with abscess on neck.

4/26 Turtle was found floundering in the surf on Anna Maria Island and was brought to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital for rehabilitation.  A large swelling was noted on the neck.  Air and purulent material was removed from the swelling, indicating mechanical trauma (possibly hook damage) and abscess.  Turtle was radiographed and spine was OK and no evidence of a hook present.  Abscess was cultured and turtle was started on antibiotics. 4/27 Turtle ate some fish this morning and had minimal trouble swallowing.  5/2 Turtle's appetite is good and is having no trouble swallowing at this time. 5/12 Turtle continues to have a good appetite and is gaining weight. 5/21 Continuing to do very well. 5/29 Turtle is gaining weight and eating well.  Blood values are returning to normal. 6/2 Turtle continues doing well except that left eye is closed most of the time.  No obvious pathology is present. 6/12 Continuing to do very well. 6/21 Turtle continues eating and gaining weight. 7/7 Left eye is now partially open.  We are planning a neurological exam soon to see if this is a "Horner's syndrom-like condition".  Turtle is doing very well otherwise. 7/18 Continuing to do very well and gaining weight. 7/24 Turtle is doing well.  Will be undergoing neurological exam tomorrow. 7/26 Neurologist reported that this turtle has retropharyngeal paralysis ("Horner's syndrome").  Turtle has sight in the left eye and should not have any problem once released. 8/9 Turtle continues to do well and gain weight. 8/28 Turtle is doing well.  We are applying for permission to release the turtle in the near future. 9/3 We have received permission to release the turtle later this week. 9/6 Turtle was released this morning from Clearwater Beach, north of the red tide bloom that extends from St. Petersburg to Naples.