Hallelujah

Arrival Date: March 31, 2024

Patient Profile

Name: Hallelujah

Species: Green Sea Turtle

Weight: 30.8 pounds

Reason for visit: Fibropapillomatosis (FP)

Location Found: Naples, FL

Status Report

03/31/24: Hallelujah was transferred to the Turtle Hospital from local rescuers on Easter Sunday from Naples, Florida. Hallelujah was in a critical state heavily covered in Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors and barnacles. After rehab staff performed initial intake diagnostics and removed the troublesome barnacles, Hallelujah was given some much needed food and time to rest in her hospital tank. Stay tuned to learn more about Hallelujah’s progress.

04/29/24: Fibropapillomatosis (FP) causes tumors on the soft tissue of Green Sea Turtles externally (such as their flippers or face) and internally (for example, organs or muscle tissue). Today Hallelujah underwent a Fluoroscopy (“Scope”), it is a procedure where a very small camera attached to the end of a long tubelike device can go in via their mouth under light sedation. This allows Dr. Norton our veterinarian to obtain a live view of Hallelujah inside her body without performing a full surgery or other more invasive measure of diagnosis. He can also obtain a sample of tissue if needed to send out for further testing. Hallelujah did incredible for this procedure, she woke up bright and alert. Her rehab staff monitored throughout the day and made sure she received extra squid snacks for being such a great patient. 

05/01/24: Hallelujah, today we have good news! Since her last visit with Dr. Norton and diagnostic results show Hallelujah has been approved for her first surgery. In 2 weeks, she will undergo removal of some of her Fibropapillomatosis(FP) tumors. This will not only get her one flipper closer to release, but also help make Hallelujah a bit more comfortable during her stay here at The Turtle Hospital. Good luck in surgery Hallelujah.

05/14/24: Today was a big day for Hallelujah, her first of many surgeries to come. Hallelujah was very brave and did wonderful under anesthesia. Rehab staff stayed close by and monitored her throughout the procedure as well during her recovery in post-op. Hallelujah will enjoy a lower water depth to make it easier for her to take a breathe without having to swim to the surface. She will also enjoy being hand fed squid and mackerel to keep her strength up.

06/21/24: It’s been a busy month for Hallelujah, she has undergone three surgeries to remove more of the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. Hallelujah also has a heavy load of masses on her eyes, blocking her vision. We have lots of faith in Hallelujah and hope she will continue to work hard as she fights this disease. Our rehab team will continue to be by her side through it all and will spare no expense at ensuring she receives all she needs to beat this. Make sure to send your best wishes to Hallelujah during your next visit to The Turtle Hospital.

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