We recently had a rare and very important patient visit our clinic. Our vet, Dr Gin, also works at Sea Shelter, a wildlife rescue for sea life, and they had reports about a sea turtle struggling. Dr Gin brought it to Fletcher Vet for diagnostic imaging and assessment. Click to watch our TikTok video about the story.
After radiographs, it was discovered that multiple fishhooks were lodged in its stomach. It was clear they would not pass naturally, and the turtle would need emergency surgery to remove them. This is a very complicated surgery on a turtle, due to their physiology and positioning of the internal organs. Its prognosis of recovery was not looking good.
We urgently called Taronga Zoo in Sydney, and had the turtle transported to their wildlife centre. They took on the case, and performed surgery. After a 5-6 hour operation, they were able to successfully remove the 8 fishhooks and wire that was entangled in its stomach.
Recovery has been slow but steady for this incredible patient, and we are thrilled with its progress. It is now still in Taronga’s rehabilitation centre, healing and gaining strength back. We are optimistic for its future, and grateful to be able to help such an important species, as well as spread awareness about ensuring all fishhooks and wire are discarded properly and not left in sea life’s environment.
Read the Nine News story here for more on the story: https://www.9news.com.au/national/warning-after-shocking-find-inside-green-turtle/ce9671e5-aba8-4870-932b-63da9d241791
