Summary of Releasing Green Sea Turtle Roadhouse:
After 11 months of rehabilitation, a sub-adult green sea turtle named Roadhouse is being released back into the water. Roadhouse had been captured during routine research netting and had severe fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors. The turtle was treated with electrochemotherapy, a new treatment for FP, which caused the tumors to shrink or fall off. The turtle’s anemia improved, allowing for the surgical removal of the remaining tumors. The Sea Turtle Healing Center thanked Rockledge Regional Medical Center for their assistance. Roadhouse was named in memory of actor Patrick Swayze since it was found on his birthdate. Anyone who finds a sea turtle needing help can contact the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. Those interested in supporting the Sea Turtle Healing Center can visit their website or view their wish list.
Summary:
1. Roadhouse, a sub-adult green sea turtle, is being released after an 11-month rehabilitation journey.
2. Roadhouse was treated for fibropapillomatosis (FP) using an innovative electrochemotherapy treatment.
3. The Sea Turtle Healing Center used an electroporator funded by the Sea Turtle Grants Program to deliver electrotherapy to the tumors.
4. After two rounds of electrochemotherapy, Roadhouse’s tumors shrank or fell off, and the remaining tumors were surgically removed.
5. Roadhouse’s recovery was made possible by the care and support of the Sea Turtle Healing Center, including CT scans from Rockledge Regional Medical Center.
Bon voyage, Roadhouse! After an arduous 11-month journey of recovery and healing, it’s time for the sub-adult green sea turtle, Roadhouse, to return to its natural habitat. On Wednesday, July 26, at 10 a.m., James H. Nance Park in Indialantic will witness this remarkable event. The public is invited to attend the release, regardless of rain or shine.
Roadhouse’s remarkable recovery is a testament to the innovative fibropapillomatosis (FP) treatment, which causes tumors to grow internally and internally on sea turtles. This disease is debilitating and, until recently, had no cure. However, thanks to cutting-edge electrochemotherapy, Roadhouse’s tumors were successfully treated.
The journey began when Roadhouse was accidentally captured during routine research netting by UCF’s Marine Turtle Research Group in the vicinity of the Sebastian Inlet State Park. The severity of the turtle’s FP tumors led to its transfer to the Sea Turtle Healing Center by the Sea Turtle Preservation Society.
The intake photo of Roadhouse before treatment depicted a large FP tumor on its neck and its inguinal and axial areas. Another tumor was also present on its right eyelid. At this stage, the size of the vascular tumors made Roadhouse anemic, which ruled out the option of surgical removal.
However, hope came in the form of electrochemotherapy, performed by Dr. Kyle Donnelly, one of the Zoo’s veterinarians. The Sea Turtle Healing Center acquired an electroporator through a generous grant from the Sea Turtle Grants Program. This device uses electrotherapy to make the tumors more permeable, allowing them to absorb chemotherapy more effectively. Eventually, these tumors become necrotic and fall off. While electrochemotherapy is relatively new to sea turtles, it has proven successful in domestic animals such as cats and dogs.
Following two rounds of electrochemotherapy, Roadhouse’s tumors either shrank or fell off, reducing the giant tumor by about half. As a result, the turtle’s anemia improved, enabling the veterinary team to surgically remove the remaining tumors. Today, Roadhouse can be considered tumor-free, a remarkable achievement and a testament to the power of innovative treatments.
The Sea Turtle Healing Center othanksRockledge Regional Medical Center for providing multiple CT scans to monitor internal FP growth. In addition to this medical care, Roadhouse received rest, an e-tube for two months, an ophthalmologic eye solution for the site of the previous eye tumor, and nurturing from the dedicated Healing Center team, including our passionate volunteers.
The naming of Roadhouse holds a sentimental aspect. The sea turtle was discovered on the birthdate of the late Patrick Swayze, a beloved actor. In his memory, the turtle was named Roadhouse, offering a touch of luck and celebrating the spirit of resilience and endurance.
Would you like to contribute to the well-being of sea turtles in need? Visit our website or contact the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these majestic creatures.
If Roadhouse’s incredible recovery inspires you and wishes to contribute to the Sea Turtle Healing Center, there are several ways to help. Supporting our Zoo not only aids the Healing Center but also contributes to various other conservation efforts. Additionally, you can explore our Healing Center’s wishlist to find specific items that would greatly benefit the center and its vital work.
In conclusion, Roadhouse’s rehabilitation journey and successful tumor treatment are a remarkable testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and collaboration. Through electrochemotherapy and the dedication of our skilled veterinary team, Roadhouse has triumphantly overcome the challenges posed by FP. As we bid farewell to Roadhouse and witness its return to the water, let us cherish this moment and continue to support the conservation of sea turtles and their natural habitats.
