Dermochelyidae

Article  Webinar 

Sea Turtle Medicine

Heather DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), CertAqV will present this live, interactive webinar, RACE-approved for 1 credit hour and co-hosted with the Wildlife Disease Association. This webinar reviews the key regulatory, anatomical, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations involved in sea turtle rehabilitation. Topics will include state and federal permitting requirements, the conservation challenges facing threatened and endangered sea turtle species, and anatomical features relevant to clinical care. Diagnostic evaluation focuses on physical examination, imaging, laboratory testing, and sample collection techniques designed to minimize patient stress. Treatment discussions cover critical and supportive care, including fluid therapy, nutritional support, analgesia, anesthesia, and appropriate antimicrobial use. This webinar also examines a few conditions commonly encountered in wildlife rehabilitation.

Article 

Sea Turtle Physical Examination Part 1: Eyes-Ears-Nose-Throat

Authored by experts in the field: Terry Norton, DACZM, Director/Founder of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and Jeanette Wyneken, PhD, this article is part of a unique series on sea turtle veterinary medicine and wildlife rehabilitation. Physical examination of the head and neck are covered including eyes, adnexa, ears, nares, beak, the oral exam, throat, and cervical vertebrae. Normal findings that reflect adaptations to a marine lifestyle are reviewed and unique findings seen in green (Chelonia mydas), flatback (Natator depressus), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempi), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtles are discussed. LOGIN to view references.