Wow
Wow
Arrival Date: August 26, 2024
Patient Profile
Name: Wow
Species: Green Sea Turtle
Weight: 14 pounds
Reason for visit: Entanglement and Fibropapillomatosis (FP)
Location Found: Marathon Key, FL
Status Report
08/26/24: On a beautiful day here in the keys, visitors of our islands soon became local rescuers as they came across an injured little sea turtle off the coast of Marathon Key. They quickly called our facility as they pulled into our dock located on the gulf side of the island. Our team was greeted by a fun family who then named our new patient “Wow”. Wow was taken into our hospital for initial intake diagnostics, removed the fishing line wrapped around our little friend and set Wow up in a hospital tank to recover for the day. Wow will begin his journey in health during his stay, as he is sick with Fibropapillomatotisis (FP). Thank you to these good samaritans for helping to save a local green sea turtle.
If you see a sick or injured sea turtle during your visit to the Florida Keys, call our 24/7 hotline at (305) 743 – 2552. You can also call the local FWC (888) 404 – 3922 or Coast Guard on your boat’s radio at station VHF Channel 16.
09/07/24: This little superstar has been eating great, this week Dr. Norton will give Wow an exam to determine his progress to prepare for surgery in the coming days. Wow has many Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors throughout his flippers and eyes that will need to be removed. The rehab team will ensure Wow is prepared for his first surgery and stay by his side till he recovers in post-op.
09/28/24: Wow did amazing for his first surgery and has had a smooth recovery. Currently located in a hospital tank with an underwater window and he is loving it. The underwater window allows our patients a different view of their space and an opportunity to be curious of their surroundings. We are happy to see Wow progressing in the right direction but will continue to provide supportive care during his journey to recover with The Turtle Hospital. Make sure to stay hello to Wow during your next visit to our facility.
10/09/24: Today Wow went on a road trip to Miami with our rehab team to see Dr. Karpinski, a veterinary ophthalmologist. He will be removing the many tumors located on Wow’s eyes to help restore his eyesight. Once stable, Wow will be transported back to our hospital to continue his recovery. Dr. Karpinski will also have Wow started on an eye drop medication to prevent regrowth of the tumors to this area. Unfortunately there is a 35% chance these tumors return, this medication will prevent them from reappearing in this area while Wow heals from surgery.
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