Bella
Patient report
Name: Bella
Species: Green Sea Turtle
Weight: 22.8 lbs.
Reason for Visit: Predator Attack
Location found: Layton, FL
Status Report
- 9/20/2025 Bella the Juvenile green sea turtle was admitted to The Turtle Hospital from Layton Florida in the afternoon, the little turtle was admitted to the hospital suffering from a predator attack and possibly an old boar strike.
- 10/7/2025 Bella is convalescing at the Turtle Hospital and is responding to treatment and looking so much better today! When she arrived following a predator attack, Bella was noticeably buoyant at intake. While it might seem harmless, buoyancy in sea turtles is actually a serious medical concern. It often indicates internal gas buildup or trauma that prevents the turtle from diving properly. This can interfere with feeding, resting, and escaping predators, making recovery especially urgent. Encouragingly, this week Bella has been observed spending time at the bottom of her tank—a great sign that her buoyancy issues are improving. Flippers crossed this won’t be a permanent bubble, and she’ll continue progressing toward a full recovery.
- 06/1/2026 Bella has been in out care since September after sustaining predator related injuries. Her recovery had been challenging, with complications including positive buoyancy disorder and bone infection, but our vet team continues to work tirelessly to support her healing. She recently underwent an endoscopy, along with saline enema and mineral oil treatments, to help stimulate her digestive system. Bella still has a long road ahead, but every step forward is hard earned – and out team remains fully committed to giving her the best chance possible.
- 06/09/2026 After an examination with Dr. Terry our sweet Bella remains in critical condition as she continues to battle positive buoyancy disorder and osteomyelitis. Her road to recovery has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and countless treatments, today we took a new step in Bella’s care. With Dr. Terry back at the hospital Bella will become the first sea turtle patient at The Turtle Hospital to receive stem cell therapy. While there are no guarantees and we don’t know what the outcome will be, we felt it was important to explore every possible option to help her.
- 06/28/2026 Bella got some nice shell scratches but their more than just a spa day perk! they are an important part of her physical therapy. As Bella continues to recover, gentle shell scratches encourage her to use her front flippers and help loosen the stiff shoulder muscles she’s been struggling with. She remains in critical condition following her stem cell infusion and were continuing to monitor her progress closely.
Bella Photos
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