EMERALD

Loggerhead  (Caretta caretta) Juvenile

Admitted 10/15/99 Age:         8-12 years Weight:    40 kg SCL:     66.8 cm   CCL: 71.4 SCW:    53.7 cm   CCW: 64.8 RELEASED 12/13/99

THE STRANDING

This juvenile loggerhead was found 50 feet from shore, directly off of the old Emerald Isle pier, Emerald Island, North Carolina. The sea turtle had a hook (long-line circle hook) lodged in the esophagus, and heavy gauge (>100 lb. test) monofiliment line (attached to the hook) protruding from the mouth.  The free end of the line was entangled around some unidentified underwater structure, to which the turtle was tethered. Rescuers Ruth Boettcher and Bill Shaw, after several failed attempts, caught the turtle (they were in the water too), cut the line and swam the turtle to shore.

THE TREATMENT	The sea turtle was taken to a veterinarian in Morehead City, where she  received this radiograph and alittle anesthesia. At this point a small diameter pvc pipe, notched in one end, with the monofiliment line threaded through, was inserted into the esophagus. The hook was caught in the notch of the pipe and pulled out.
THE PROGNOSIS 10/20/99	Emerald was delivered to the KBSTRRC on 10/15/99.  A few days later she was examined by rehab center favorites, veterinarians from NC State University, College of Veterinary Medicine; Greg Lewbart, Craig Harms, and Beth Chittick. At this time blood work showed a PCV of 34, which is good. Medications include an antibiotic, Fortaz, and Vitamin K.
UPDATE 11/04/99	Emerald sampled hospital fare for the first time 10/30/99.  She continues to eat 12 - 16 oz. of  fish per day.
RELEASED 12/13/99	Emerald's improved condition prompted wildlife officials to release her today by boat, far off shore in warm waters. Speedy southern journey girl.