Queso | South Carolina Aquarium

Green (Chelonia mydas)

Stranding Location: Myrtle Beach State Park, SC
Arrival Date: 4/23/23
Age: Juvenile
Weight: 3.12 kg (6.88 lbs)

Case History

Queso was caught by an angler at Myrtle Beach State Park Fishing Pier. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources transporters picked up the little green and brought them to the Sea Turtle Care Center™. The turtle arrived with fishing line, attached rigs and fishhooks in their mouth and esophagus!

Treatment

Upon arrival, Care Center staff took radiographs (commonly known as x-rays) and determined that there were two fishing hooks caught in the turtle’s esophagus. In order to remove the hooks, Queso was sedated. The extra fishing line attached to the hooks was helpful for the veterinary staff, as they could use it to better locate the hook. Vet staff successfully removed the larger of the two hooks. The smaller, second hook was located too deeply in the esophagus to be removed through the oral cavity at admit. We are hopeful that Queso will be able to pass it by themselves. This juvenile green was given pain medications following the hook removal, as it can be painful, and were left in a wet dock overnight where we could more easily monitor them. Following our normal treatment protocols, the patient was also given fluids, vitamins and antibiotics. During admit, Queso had a little surprise for staff: a PIT tag! Little Queso has been encountered before.

Update

The following day, Queso had lots of energy and seemed to be feeling better, so we felt confident graduating them to a full tank in ICU. Once in the tank, this patient even pooped! This might seem like a small accomplishment, but it is a major milestone for many of our turtles and can give us more information about what Queso has been eating in the wild and/ or if they have contracted any intestinal parasites. Since Queso has been previously tagged, we will be able to identify where they were before the Care Center. Staff is waiting to hear back on where Queso was previously seen!

May 15, 2023: Queso has had a busy few weeks at the Care Center. Staff wanted to be as minimally invasive as possible, so they left the other hook alone for a few days, hoping that the little turtle would pass the hook on their own. Unfortunately, that was not the case. But the good news is, Queso was the perfect surgical patient! Our vet team was able to surgically remove the small hook with ease. Since the surgical procedure, Queso has started eating and is showing no signs of issues swallowing or jaw pain. We will continue to keep a close eye on them to make sure the surgical site continues to heal well!