Bowser

“Bowser” was an adult male yellow bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) that was found along a roadway in Collins, Georgia after being hit by a car. Male sliders have long nails in which they show off to female turtles during mating. Bowser had significant fractures to his carapace and bridge which involved his body cavity. With frequent bandage changes, antibiotics and antifungals, Bowser had been on the rehab roller-coaster having “good days and bad days” but the wound and infection got the worst of him and he passed away mid January.

Dusty

Dusty, a Florida Cooter (Pseudemys floridana), arrived at the Georgia sea Turtle Center on June 27, 2007. Dusty was probably hit by a car although no one saw it happen. She had a very severe fracture on the top of her shell. Eventually the bone associated with the fracture became non viable and required removal. This left a fairly circular shaped wound with lung exposed. We tried to cover the wound with a product called biofusion and then a marine epoxy. This was removed and there was an infection underneath so it was eventually left off and we treated the wound with a combination of traditional wound care and V.A.C. (Vacuum Assisted Wound Care) therapy eventually allowed this wound to heal as well. It took over 1 year! Dusty was released recently on Jekyll Island on August 8, 2008.

Norton

Norton, a spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) was brought to the GSTC by a former staff member. Norton was found in a lake in Athens, GA circling and had a head tilt. Norton was sedated, given a physical exam, and x-rays. It was found that he hs a bone fracture in his neck. He was treated through the use of good water quality and nutrition. Norton was released back into the lake he came from in June 2008.

Mussels

Mussels was a Barbour’s Map Turtle (Graptemys barbouri), a protected species. She was found by Dr. Norton during a research trip in Southwest Georgia. She was sitting on a rock and did not respond normally when approached. Her left eye was irritated and she was extremely lethargic. After being treated for several weeks, she continued to become increasingly lethargic. Despite a wide range of antibiotics and medical treatments, she was unable to recover and had to be humanely euthanized.