An emaciated 2.36-kg juvenile green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, was found floating off of Melbourne Beach, Florida, USA (28°2′4″N, 80°32′32″W). The turtle exhibited signs of cachexia, positive buoyancy, lethargy, and obstipation; was covered with barnacles; and was anorexic at the time of presentation. Dorsal-ventral radiographs with positive contrast confirmed obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Serum chemistry abnormalities reflected metabolic/ nutritional deficiencies. Gastrointestinal prokinetics and oral/enema mineral oil applications were effective in relieving gastrointestinal obstruction with the turtle defecating a total of 74 foreign objects over a period of a month. After the removal of the foreign material, the turtle quickly regained normal behavior and health. The lack of blood parameters demonstrating infection or inflammation; the failure to respond to antibiotic and antifungal treatment as well as the parallel improvement in behavior and health after incremental evacuation of the plastic is highly suggestive of a cause and effect association.
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1 March 2009
Morbidity in a Juvenile Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Due to Ocean-Borne Plastic
M. Andrew Stamper,
Chad W. Spicer,
Donald L. Neiffer,
Kristin S. Mathews,
Gregory J. Fleming
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Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Vol. 40 • No. 1
March 2009
Vol. 40 • No. 1
March 2009
Chelonia mydas
green sea turtle
impaction
litter
marine debris
ocean-borne
Plastic