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Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Stranding Location: Murrells Inlet, SC
Arrival Date: 8/25/2018
Age: Subadult
Weight: 32.7 kg (72 pounds)
Case History
Harry Potter was spotted by a boater in Murrells Inlet near the jetties. This subadult loggerhead was floating at the surface of the water, had some epibiota on his shell and a boat strike across the left side of his head. The boater brought him back to Crazy Sister Marina where marine biologists Cassie Lopez and Christian Franks saved Harry Potter and called the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to report the stranding. SCDNR permit holder and sea turtle transporter Terry Graham responded to the call and brought Harry Potter to the South Carolina Aquarium to receive treatment.
Treatment
At the South Carolina Aquarium, Harry Potter received a fully physical exam. He had a relatively shallow propeller strike to the top of the head on the left side, which extended onto the carapace, and then another minor wound on the right side of the head. His left eye was swollen shut and he was minimally responsive in the right eye. Staff worried about damage to his brain and brain case so he received a CT scan. Harry Potter is one lucky turtle – his brain case was intact! This meant we could continue with treatment and stabilize the fracture on his head. Staff decided to triage Harry Potter and let him rest before surgery was done to stabilize the wound. He received fluids, antibiotics, vitamins, pain meds, and anti-inflammatory drugs. He was placed in a shallow waterbed to rest overnight.
Updates
August 29, 2018: The day after admit, veterinary staff came in to do surgery on the fracture on Harry Potter’s head. They placed shallow screws on either side of the fracture and used wire to pull the two pieces of bone together. They applied medi-honey and redi-heal to the wound to help it heal and keep out debris. Harry Potter handled the surgery well! He was placed on foam in shallow water to rest and recover. He has been receiving pain meds and antibiotics to help him rest comfortable and ward off infection. His heart rate has been getting stronger each day and he is becoming more alert. His left eye has started to open now that the swelling has gone down. Staff is keeping their fingers crossed for Harry Potter and we hope he can live up to his namesake as “the boy who lived”!
September 1, 2018: Harry Potter has been receiving pain meds and antibiotics to help him rest comfortable and ward off infection. His heart rate has been getting stronger each day and he is becoming more alert. His left eye has started to open now that the swelling has gone down. Staff is keeping their fingers crossed for Harry Potter and we hope he can live up to his namesake as “the boy who lived”!
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