FOUND A TURTLE IN NEED OF HELP? CALL FWC 1-888-404-3922
Schnitzel's Story
Rescue
Diagnose
Diagnose
Schnitzel was found entangled in fishing line near a dock on the Intracoastal. The dock owners called our 24/7 stranding hotline as soon as they realized the turtle was in distress.
Diagnose
Diagnose
Diagnose
The monofilament was wrapped tightly around the front left flipper, cutting deeply into the skin. The line had also been ingested, as fishing line was visible emerging from the mouth and the cloaca. The line was extensive and had traveled through the entire digestive tract. Schnitzel also had small Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors present.
Care
Fun Fact
Fun Fact
Good nutrition and supportive intestinal care allowed the ingested fishing line to pass fully without causing additional damage. The injured flipper received topical wound treatments, and hyperbaric therapy was used to improve circulation to the affected area. Schnitzel will undergo several surgeries over time to remove the FP tumors.
Fun Fact
Fun Fact
Fun Fact
Schnitzel is a staff favorite (shhh… don’t tell our other patients!) and continually keeps the team entertained with the odd and endearing positions discovered when Schnitzel is fast asleep in the hospital tank.
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