Addie
Addie
Arrival Date: August 2, 2024
Patient Profile
Name: Addie
Species: Green Sea Turtle
Weight: 35 pounds
Reason for visit: Hook ingestion & Fibropapillomatosis (FP)
Location Found: Marathon, Florida
Status Report
08/02/24: Staff at the Faro Blanco Resort on Marathon found a young sea turtle lethargic and floating near their resort beach. Rehab staff were quick to come to the rescue finding the newly named Addie in rough shape. She was weak and had Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors around her limbs. Initially Addie received fluids to help hydrate and stabilize, along with initial diagnostics to get a baseline understanding of her status. Results showed there was a fishing hook and line stuck in her esophagus along with much debris. Addie then received a CT Scan the next day for further information as removing a fishing hook is no easy task. Gathering more information about what is occurring inside will help her rehab team in its removal. On August 5th, Dr. Norton performed an initial laparoscope (scope) to remove initial debris to help clear a way for the hook. Lots of seagrass, pieces of shell and leftover food was found logged in her esophagus. Addie did great through this procedure, she will spend tonight and tomorrow resting before the hook removal to come.
A Laparoscope is a device that is controlled by a small hand held controller that has a small camera at one end along with a small space to attach various instruments. This device is used to gain further information internally by route of a small incision, or even through the esophagus. This allows medical professionals to see a live video of what is occurring inside their patient. Laparoscopes can be used to obtain tissue samples for testing, removal of blockages, or perform unique surgeries on a smaller scale that may be in a location too complex for a major surgery.
08/07/24: Prepped and ready, Addie is set to have the fishing hook and remaining line removed. Dr. Norton and rehab staff will attempt to remove the item with a laparoscope (scope) as this is less invasive than surgery. To help protect her esophagus in the hook removal a small thin hard plastic tube is placed inside, this will prevent the hook from damaging her throat more as well as becoming logged again. As Dr. Norton and medical director Bette maneuvered the camera of the scope; it became clear that this hook was not about to be removed without a fight. Not only was the fishing hook bent in an odd angle, but it prevented it from being able to fit through the plastic tubing. The rehab team was quick to think of ways to better position the hook, through the use of wire and various attachments to the scope the team was able to move the hook farther up and grasp it for removal. Dr. Norton then performed a small incision (cut) into Addie’s esophagus to remove the fishing hook. Great job team! Addie will spend the following days recovering from this surgery with the help of her rehab to team by her side to ensure she has all she needs.
8/10/24: It has been 3 days since Addie’s fishing hook removal. Rehab staff report she is doing well, but still not out of the woods yet. Addie is receiving a shower bath as part of her recovery. This will help keep her skin hydrated, reduce the need for her to move to breathe, and keep her as calm as possible. During a shower bath patients will be placed on a soft matt for comfort and have sprayers showering her with water. During this method patients can be maintained out of water for a long length of time safely, as well as reduce the patients need to move their head up out of water to breathe. In Addie’s case this method is perfect to help her throat heal and prevent further stress on her neck. Rehab staff have been checking on her routinely through the day and providing supportive medication to keep her comfortable as well. Get well soon Addie, we are thankful the fishing hook removal was a success.
09/01/24: Addie has been relaxing in her special tank, the soft memory foam mat and shower of water above has made a most comfortable recovery space for her. During her routine exams it was discovered Addie has begun to have mobility issues with her front flippers. Her rehab team has began providing her with physical therapy in another hospital tank filled with water to not only help support her body weight to reduce stress, but to help her move in a more natural manner as the team gently moves her front flippers. This is to help keep the strength up in that region, and increase blood circulation. Since performing this Addie is already showing signs of improvement. She has been able to push up on her own now to take breaths. Hopefully with more physical therapy and time Addie will be able to spend longer amounts of time in shallow water levels to move on her own. Great job Addie, we are all so proud of you and cheering you on for your recovery. Addie will still need to undergo surgeries to remove the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) masses on her body, she will receive an exam from Dr. Norton to address a new timeline for her in the coming days.
09/28/24: This week was very different for our current patients and resident sea turtles. As Hurricane Helene made its way through the gulf, The Turtle hospital prepared for the worst by relocating our turtles to the hospital tanks on land and larger hurricane tanks on land. These tanks are built to withstand a CAT 5 hurricane. All sea turtles within the tidal pool were evacuated out as the storm surge could pose a serious danger to our turtles. Addie was relocated to share a hospital tank with Squirt, a very small Green Sea turtle who is unwell due to Fibropapillomatosis (FP). The two did very well during the storm, and enjoyed each other’s company during the storm. The Turtle Hospital was luckily only hit with heavy winds and rain, and back open to the public with minor damage from the strong winds. To see more on how we prepared our sea turtles for the storm check out our Instagram for videos.
10/31/24: For the past few days Addie’s appetite has been declining. As the rehab team does their best to offer her all her favorite meals and provide encouragement, it has not been successful. After an exam with Dr. Norton, Addie is to be placed on a tube feeding to ensure she is obtaining her necessary nutrients, along with supportive medication to increase appetite. Jesus has been placed in the same tank as Addie to help provide some company.
11/10/24: While Addie has improved in her swimming and enjoys spending time with Jesus, her appetite is still not improving. The rehab team will continue to tube feed her and offer her favorite meals to encourage her to eat on her own. Until Addie can get her appetite back up, surgery for tumor removals is being placed on a pause for her. Make sure to say hello to Addie during your next visit to The Turtle Hospital and wish her the best to help get her appetite up.
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