Lisa
Lisa
Arrival Date: January 8, 2024
Patient Profile
Name: Lisa
Species: Green Sea Turtle
Weight: 8.8 pounds
Reason for visit: Predator Attack and Fibropapillomatosis (FP)
Location Found: Summerland Key, FL
Status Report
01/08/24: Found offshore on Summerland Key, Lisa was spotted at the surface of the water lethargic, covered in Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors, along with a fresh wound to her left front flipper. Rescue and rehab staff begin their intake process of diagnostics to evaluate her condition and stabilize her. Lisa is in critical condition and our team is thankful for the good samaritain who helped bring her to our facility.
02/05/24: Lisa is currently on our critical patient list, she has been receiving additional support such as intravenous (IV) fluid administration, medications to keep her comfortable, and wound care to her injured front left flipper. Physical exams show Lisa has the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) not only on her limbs and abdomen but also on her eyes and face. Like many of our turtles once stable for travel will visit local Miami veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Karpinski. We will continue to support Lisa in her recovery journey until she is stable for a drive to Miami.
02/20/24: The road to recovery can be a long one, but Lisa is up for the task. She continues to do her best and is handling supportive care by the rehab staff well. Lisa is continuing to rest in her hospital tank throughout the day and enjoys being handfed by the rehab staff as finding food in the water is still challenging due to lack of vision from the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors on her eyes. We’re rooting for you Lisa!
04/06/24: Today rehab staff performed a pre-surgical exam to see if Lisa will be ready to tackle the procedure soon. There are many Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors on her little body and can assume it’s uncomfortable for her. Resident veterinarian Dr. Norton preformed the physical exam and rechecked diagnostics, based on this information Lisa has been given the green light for surgery and will continue to receive supportive care to prepare her for the first of many surgeries to come.
05/01/24: Lisa has been working very hard to become strong enough for surgery. Today Lisa went into her first of many surgeries to come to remove the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. Rehab team was by her side through it all as resident veterinarian Dr. Norton used our CO2 laser begin the precise removal process. After a long surgery Lisa spent the night recovering with rehab staff close by to continue to monitor. We are very proud of Lisa for her strength during the first surgery, but she still has a long way to go in her journey. We are cheering for you Lisa!
06/01/24: Last week Lisa underwent her second surgery for the removal of more Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. She did very well during this procedure and has been moved to a smaller hospital tank to recover. This tank is shallower allowing Lisa to still swim to the bottom but without requiring as much energy or effort. Lisa is still one of our most critical patients but she is a fighter. Send her best wishes during your next visit to The Turtle Hospital, Lisa is located next to ambassador Loggerhead Sea Turtles Tater and Tot.
Farewell
Lisa arrived at our facility 6 months ago after being rescued from a predator attack as a result of being ill with Fibropapillomatosis (FP). The road to recovery from this illness is a hard one for many, but Lisa fought each day hoping to overcome this disease and return to the wild. It is with a heavy heart that we share Lisa will be humanely euthanized. Our team spares no expense in the care of our patients, we had taken Lisa for a CT scan to review her progress and unfortunately upon review found the disease had spread extensively throughout her body internally. Dr. Norton made the hard choice early Friday morning. Lisa was surrounded by our rescue and rehab team, she is now at peace in the eternal sea.
01/08/24 – 06/21/24
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