Krka's Story
Debilitation
Krka is a subadult Loggerhead sea turtle, that was discovered floating at the Pompano Beach Pier. Symptoms of floating or an overgrowth of algae & barnacles on their carapace are good indications of poor health and a possible need for veterinary care. Intake x-rays revealed that Krka was suffering from a lung infection, and the rehabilitation staff quickly began daily nebulizing treatments, antibiotics, and fluid therapy to aid in their recovery. The x-rays also showed a small piece of fishing gear in their GI tract, that they were able to safely pass naturally. This patient was also struggling with their vision, and ability to eat. After several months of persistence and veterinary care, Krka began improving and eating, and was even able to catch and eat live prey! This patient has since made a full recovery, and was released back into the ocean in February 2023.
Name: Krka
Species: Loggerhead (Cc)
Age class: Subadult
Admission date: 10/07/2022
Ailment: Floating, Lung Infection
Weight: 34.7 kg
Updates
10/7/22: Rescued and admitted to rehab covered in algae and barnacles. Radiographs reveal a lung infection. Given a freshwater bath overnight.
10/8/22: Begin daily nebulizing treatments and supportive care regiment. Blood drawn and evaluated.
10/21/22: Continuing to monitor floating and infection, and provide daily nebulizer and fluid therapy.
10/27/22: Tube fed mixture of gruel and pedialyte. Bloodwork drawn and evaluated. No sign of fishing gear in fecal.
11/8/22: Veterinary exam. Administer TPN and start a tube feeding regiment.
12/2/22: Last day of TPN treatments and tube feeding.
12/3/22: Patient ate for the first time from tongs!
12/30/22: Patient is consistently eating protein and activity level increasing. Continue to monitor eye tracking and progress.
2/6/23: Successfully tracking and eating live crab!
2/22/23: Tagged and Released at Red Reef Park.
