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Species Type
Stranding Location: Bowens Island, Charleston, SC
Arrival Date: 7/28/23
Age: Juvenile
Sex: Unknown
Weight: 2.29 kg (5.05 lbs)
Case History
Burrata was found floating and unable to dive by Charleston Outdoor Adventure staff in King Flats Creek near Bowens Island. Staff notified the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) who directed them to retrieve the turtle until SCDNR could arrive to transport the patient to the South Carolina Aquarium for treatment.
Treatment
Upon initial examination, Burrata exhibited labored breathing with raspy sounding breaths. Blood work revealed that the turtle’s carbon dioxide levels were very high, indicating that the patient was struggling to breathe and struggling to absorb oxygen on their own. Radiographs were taken to rule out any obvious obstructions in the throat, and Burrata was put on supplemental oxygen. The radiographs revealed that the patient had patchy, opaque lung tissue and a full GI tract. Vet staff decided to CT scan the turtle for a more detailed view of the trachea and lungs. The CT scan confirmed that Burrata had pneumonia and that the trachea was obstructed.
To further investigate the blockage, Burrata was mildly sedated and intubated for a bronchoscopy. A bronchoscopy procedure uses a long, slender probe with a camera on the end to scope down the throat of the turtle to get a visual view of the trachea and the blockage. The entrance of the trachea was inflamed. Further down to the bifurcation (or the branching of the trachea to each lung) there was a large mucous plug blocking the primary bronchi openings, a result of the pneumonia. To unclog the mucous, vet staff flushed the trachea with sterile saline and a sample was taken for further analysis of a potential bacterial or fungal infection. Burrata’s sedation was reversed following the procedure. The patient was given fluids, vitamins, antibiotics, an inflammatory medication and was wet docked overnight to rest from the procedure. Burrata’s breaths were noticeably less audible and the turtle exhibited more natural, relaxed respiration.
Update
July 29, 2023: Burrata’s bloodwork was checked the next morning and it revealed normal levels of gas exchange in their blood, a great sign that the turtle’s airway was no longer obstructed! The patient was active and taking good breaths and staff felt secure in trying the turtle in water. With the expectation of buoyancy and respiration issues, Burrata was placed in less than half a tank of water. It was a great surprise to staff to see this turtle level out in the water column, swim calmly, breathe evenly and easily, and rest on the bottom of the tank with no issue whatsoever! Burrata even passed multiple fecals, signaling that the GI tract is functioning properly! We’ll be offering a couple pieces of fish and a leaf of lettuce to test the patient’s appetite tomorrow.
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