Maddie

Arrival Date: March 18, 2024

Patient Profile

Name: Maddie

Species: Green Sea Turtle

Weight: 10.9 pounds

Reason for visit: Fibropapillomatosis (FP)

Location Found: Long Key, FL

Status Report

03/18/24: Rescued with the help of the local Coast Guard, Maddie was found floating at the surface of the water unwell and in need of care. Rehab staff performed initial radiographs and ultrasound to view the extent of the Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors located all throughout Maddie’s body. Like many sea turtles that visit The Turtle Hospital, Fibropapillomatosis (FP) leaves them weak and lethargic as they are unable to do their normal behaviors. Rehab staff made sure to set up Maddie’s hospital tank with a lower depth of water to make lifting her head up to take a breath was not such a challenge. Rehab staff will continue to provide additional support to stabilize Maddie as her road to recovery will be a long one.

04/22/24: Maddie has done a wonderful job of building up her strength with the help of her rehab team she has now been approved for surgery and will be undergoing her first of many to remove tumors. For today’s procedure Dr. Terry Norton, our resident veterinarian will remove tumors from her face and jaw. This will increase Maddie’s comfort and make eating a bit easier on her. Rehab staff will be by her side from beginning to end to make sure Maddie has the best care.

04/30/24: Maddie has done very well since her first surgery. Rehab staff have performed daily wound care to her surgical sites to help her recover, and has also been a strong eater enjoying Mackerel during her feeding times. This afternoon Dr. Norton did an exam on Maddie and decided since Maddie has continued to improve she has been scheduled for another tumor removal surgery for next month. Great job Maggie, can’t wait for you to be tumor free! 

05/16/24: Another big day for Maddie as she will be undergoing her second surgery this morning. On today’s surgery Dr. Norton will focus on removing the tumors located on her shoulders, rear end, and tail. Rehab staff will be there to help monitor Maddie through the surgery and have all she needs post-op for a smooth and comfortable recovery. Keep up the hard work Rehab team, we know Maddie is so happy to have you by her side.

06/21/24: Maddie is in the home stretch on her tumor removal process. She is to undergo one more surgery for the tumors located on her body, then just need to tackle the remaining few left on her eyes. This week Dr. Brooke Burkhalter. A veterinarian specializing in internal medicine and skilled in the care of sea turtles. Dr. Burkhalter is the lead veterinarian at the University of Florida within their sea turtle hospital department. Today she will use her skills to help remove these uncomfortable masses on Maddie. At this time, Maddie’s previous surgical sites are healing very well with no concerns at the moment. Great job Maddie, we are so proud of your hard work through these surgeries. The rehab team will continue to be by her side and support her till she is ready to be released.

Stay up to date with the latest news of the Turtle Hospital by following our Facebook or Instagram online.