Lemonade was rescued by biologists at Inwater Research Group in St. Lucie, FL with severe injuries from a boat strike. Deep lacerations on the head, carapace (top of shell), and plastron (bottom of shell) are partially healed but potentially caused internal trauma.
Species: Kemp's Ridley
Age: Juvenile (~2-5 yrs)
Location: St. Lucie, FL
Concern: Vessel Strike
Status: Recovering
Weight: 1.9 kg 4.6 lbs
2021-Jan-05 | Discontinue anemia treatment. Wounds are healing well. |
2020-Dec-01 | Routine wound debridement. |
2020-Nov-12 | Begin treatment for anemia. |
2020-Oct-29 | Finished course of supportive meds. Begin dewormers. |
2020-Oct-24 | Eating well on own. Jaw tone significantly improved. |
2020-Oct-15 | Able to open mouth and eat soft foods on own. Discontinue tube feeding. Continue laser and honey application daily. |
2020-Oct-06 | Wounds debrided by Veterinarian. Started MLS laser therapy and jaw exercises to strengthen jaw muscles. Tube feed as needed. Honey application on wounds daily. |
2020-Oct-05 | Radiographs reveal fractures to the carapace and plastron but no spinal damage. Unable to open mouth due to skull injuries. |
2020-Oct-04 | Rescued from St. Lucie, FL with multiple injuries from vessel strike. Injuries mostly old and partially healed. Started supportive medications. |