Still waiting for the sea turtles...
We are still waiting for the seasonal influx stranded sea turtles to start coming in. Usually we have many more patients than what we currently have (For example, browse all the turtles that were here last December). So far we haven't had as many stranded sea turtles this year. A couple of factors that may be keeping the turtles off the beaches are warmer weather and wind direction. We hope it may also mean that more turtles were able to get around and out of Cape Cod bay before the water gets too cold.
A Kemp's ridley sea turtle straight from one of the beaches on Cape Cod.
But as we wait I thought I would take you through what will happen to a turtle as it goes through the initial triage process.
Crackle the turtle on the left came in with a propeller strike. This turtle healed well and was later released. The turtles on the right share their first swim in a kiddie pool.
A Kemp's ridley sea turtle straight from one of the beaches on Cape Cod.
But as we wait I thought I would take you through what will happen to a turtle as it goes through the initial triage process.
Crackle the turtle on the left came in with a propeller strike. This turtle healed well and was later released. The turtles on the right share their first swim in a kiddie pool.
First, the turtle gets an initial exam. This includes weights and measurements, as well as blood draws and an overall body checkup. A heart rate and respiratory rate are taken. Turtles routinely come in with heart rates of 1 beat per minute and respiratory rates of 1 breathe every 15-20 mins. We look for any obvious injuries and palpate for possible breaks in the flippers. The turtle's eyes are stained to check for abrasions or ulcerations. We gauge the animal's activity level and we note algal cover.
The green sea turtle on the left had it's eyes stained to see if their were any injuries from the cold-stun. The turtle on the right is getting its blood drawn.
The green sea turtle on the left had it's eyes stained to see if their were any injuries from the cold-stun. The turtle on the right is getting its blood drawn.
We then start getting the turtle back up to a normal temperature slowly over a period of several days. This is accomplished in two ways. The first way is with the Aquarium Medical Center's ICU. We keep the turtles in here when they are not swimming. This allows us to control the temperature the turtles are recovering in. The other way is by swimming them in different temperatures of water. Everyday we increase the temperature of the pools until they are at the turtle’s optimal temperature. The first swim they take with us is in fresh water which helps rehydrate the turtle and kills off the majority of saltwater epibiota (algae, barnacles etc.) on the turtle.
Left- a Kemp's ridley sea turtle getting its first fresh water swim. You can see the algae on the shell. Right is the ICU which helps bring the turtles temperature back up to normal.
Once we get blood results back, the turtle then receives fluid therapy specialized for each turtle. Low glucose and the turtle would get a fluids containing dextrose. Low potassium and we add potassium to the hydration. Then if the turtle is strong enough and the blood work is OK the turtle gets to keep swimming overnight. If the turtle needs more rest it gets put back in the ICU for a good night's sleep.
Two Kemp's ridley sea turtles in the ICU have had water based lubricant put on their shells and their eyes so they do not loose moisture as they rest overnight.
Labels: Adam, aquarium medical center, cold-stun, Green Sea Turtle, Kemp's ridley sea turtle
posted by Adam at
7:00 AM
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