|
TOPSAIL ISLAND, NORTH CAROLINA |
| REEF | Kemp's Ridley
(Lepidochelys kempi) |
JUVENILE Admitted
3/26/99
Approx. AGE 2-3 Years WEIGHT 2.04 kg CCL 26.8 cm CCW 26.1 cm |
| THE STRANDING | Found floating in near shore waters, 2 miles south of Atlantic
Beach, NC,
at artificial reef # 315, this little sea turtle was rescued by charter boat captain of "Carolina Lady", Jeff Howle. The water temperature was 65F and the turtle was lethargic. |
| TREATMENT | The sea turtle appears under weight. Carapace, flippers,
head and eyelids covered with algae. The right eye is partially closed
and has an exterior ulcer.
Initial treatment included 25 ml 5% dextrose in lactated ringers solution. |
| PROGNOSIS | Reef is swimming and submerging. After a few days
nibbling at food.
Hopeful release with the soon-to-come warm water. |
