Total Parenteral Nutrition for Dummies

Ever wonder what happens when we receive a turtle that is underweight, or not eating well? TPN is the amazing solution brought from the world of human-doctors that helps our sea turtles recover.

Every turtle we treat is different, and sometimes our patients can be picky eaters. Queen Amidala is a great recent example of a turtle who had some expensive tastes! While most of our Green Sea Turtle patients enjoy lettuce and bell peppers, Queen Amidala would only eat fancy algae!

To supplement Queen A’s nutrition, she received regular TPN shots, which are a lot like a mega multi-vitamin for our turtle patients. These can include amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars. There are different blends of nutrients depending on what each turtle species needs.

This treatment was adapted from a similar process used for humans with digestive problems.

Isn’t it amazing to see these treatments evolve from helping humans to helping these amazing sea turtles?

Keep an eye out soon for our new Turtle Journal Newsletter for an inside look at treatments like these and so much more.