Barney

Arrival Date: April 2, 2024

Patient Profile

Name: Barney

Species: Green Sea Turtle

Weight: 59.5 pounds

Reason for visit: Fibropapillomatosis (FP)

Location Found: Naples, FL

Status Report

03/13/24: Arriving from Naples, Florida, Barney’s shell was covered in algae and other plant life, lethargic and sick with Fibropapillomatosis (FP). Traveling from the ocean to the hospital can be stressful for some sea turtles, Barney’s hospital tank will feature a sun shade to provide extra privacy to help in adjusting. Rehab staff will support Barney as he builds his strength for the future surgeries to come to remove his Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors.

04/10/24: When a sea turtle arrives for issues such as a gastrointestinal impaction, the blockage can be from various things. Unfortunately most blockages are from eating something they shouldn’t such as trash that has found its way into the ocean. Barney had ingested a large amount of trash and debris causing much discomfort. The Rehab team has a few different techniques to assist our turtles in passing the material on their own. So far Barney has not been responding to treatment and is at risk of further complications. Dr. Norton has approved Barney for surgery to remove this impaction and hopefully improve his status as Barney will need further treatment to remove the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. 

04/17/24: Today is surgery day for Barney, his surgery will be performed by Dr. 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 this uncomfortable impaction from Barney’s gastrointestinal system. Good luck Barney, we are rooting for you!

Farewell 

Many of our turtles’ journeys here at The Turtle Hospital begin and end in different ways. Our rescue and rehab staff provide the utmost care and spare no expense in their attempts to save any and  every sea turtle. Barney’s health was not improving and sadly Barney passed away during sleep. While we are sadden for the loss of any turtle we care for, we are thankful he is at peace back in the eternal sea.

04/02/24 – 04/23/24

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