Maddie
Maddie
Arrival Date: March 18, 2024
Patient Profile
Name: Maddie
Species: Green Sea Turtle
Weight: 10.9 pounds
Reason for visit: Fibropapillomatosis (FP)
Location Found: Long Key, FL
Status Report
03/18/24: Rescued with the help of the local Coast Guard, Maddie was found floating at the surface of the water unwell and in need of care. Rehab staff performed initial radiographs and ultrasound to view the extent of the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors located all throughout Maddie’s body. Like many sea turtles that visit The Turtle Hospital, Fibropapillomatosis (FP) leaves them weak and lethargic as they are unable to do their normal behaviors. Rehab staff made sure to set up Maddie’s hospital tank with a lower depth of water to make lifting her head up to take a breath was not such a challenge. Rehab staff will continue to provide additional support to stabilize Maddie as her road to recovery will be a long one.
04/22/24: Maddie has done a wonderful job of building up her strength with the help of her rehab team she has now been approved for surgery and will be undergoing her first of many to remove tumors. For today’s procedure Dr. Terry Norton, our resident veterinarian will remove tumors from her face and jaw. This will increase Maddie’s comfort and make eating a bit easier on her. Rehab staff will be by her side from beginning to end to make sure Maddie has the best care.
04/30/24: Maddie has done very well since her first surgery. Rehab staff have performed daily wound care to her surgical sites to help her recover, and has also been a strong eater enjoying Mackerel during her feeding times. This afternoon Dr. Norton did an exam on Maddie and decided since Maddie has continued to improve she has been scheduled for another tumor removal surgery for next month. Great job Maggie, can’t wait for you to be tumor free!
05/16/24: Another big day for Maddie as she will be undergoing her second surgery this morning. On today’s surgery Dr. Norton will focus on removing the tumors located on her shoulders, rear end, and tail. Rehab staff will be there to help monitor Maddie through the surgery and have all she needs post-op for a smooth and comfortable recovery. Keep up the hard work Rehab team, we know Maddie is so happy to have you by her side.
06/21/24: Maddie is in the home stretch on her tumor removal process. She is to undergo one more surgery for the tumors located on her body, then just need to tackle the remaining few left on her eyes. This week Dr. Brooke Burkhalter. A veterinarian specializing in internal medicine and skilled in the care of sea turtles. Dr. Burkhalter is the lead veterinarian at the University of Florida within their sea turtle hospital department. Today she will use her skills to help remove these uncomfortable masses on Maddie. At this time, Maddie’s previous surgical sites are healing very well with no concerns at the moment. Great job Maddie, we are so proud of your hard work through these surgeries. The rehab team will continue to be by her side and support her till she is ready to be released.
07/05/24: Our pretty girl is doing so well since her surgeries and will be enjoying some extra attention these coming days as she is now in her Observation Period of her recovery. This is when we monitor patients more closely for any regrowth of the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors, as there is a 35% chance they can return. Once she passes this phase she will go on to practice for her Swim Test. Here she will need to pass this test to return back out to the wild. The Swim Test is composed of three things, Maddie must have 1 good eye, 3 strong flippers, and be a strong swimmer. As she must be able to outrun her main predator – Sharks. Make sure to say hello to little Maddie during your next visit.
07/08/24: Maddie has been moved to the Hurricane tanks on our property. Here she will have more space to practice her swimming skills to pass her swim test. So far Maddie is doing great, her previous surgical site wounds are healing very well and she is loving all the extra space to explore and her new neighbor Fab Five member Bender.
7/25/24: We have a big announcement today, Maddie has passed her Swim Test and Observation Period with flying colors! We are proud to announce she will be released back out to sea on Wednesday July 30th at Sombrero Beach at 7pm (EST). Please come join us as we wish a happy goodbye to Maddie.
Release
On Wednesday, July 30, 2024 our staff and the community gathered on Sombrero Beach to give Maddie a joyous send off. Before heading out to sea, Maddie arrived at the beach with a huge crowd of guests to cheer her on, along with Turtle Hospital staff and her Rehab Team who have been by her side throughout her journey. She was released on the beach with the assistance of our medical director Bette and rehabber Maddie. We are so happy Maddie is back out at sea and will cherish the memories we made with her. Swim free Maddie!
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