CC-ALF-12-06-06-01 Loggerhead 44 lb.
7/5/12 Fitzy was transported to RIAC (Roanoke Island Animal Clinic) for xrays to be taken periodically after she/he ingested barium. Fitzy managed to spit the barium up, thus preventing the xrays.
7/11/12 Aquarist Christian Legner transported Fitzy to NC State Veterinary School in Raleigh, NC, for further diagnostic studies. A major concern was her breathing. Turn your speakers up and listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjWoMq30Byw&feature=player_detailpage.
Below is Christian’s explanation of the findings and treatment so far:
“A CT scan showed a tracheal obstruction that was contributing to the raspy, strained, breathing and to the frequency of breaths. This obstruction was nearly completely removed on Thursday and appeared to be inflammatory material that is most likely associated with a prior injury to the trachea that has healed, resulting in the material blocking the airway. Breathing sounds are more normal now, and hopefully a greatly increased amount of air is filling the lungs. SUCCESS!
In addition, bloodwork revealed an elevated white blood cell count, while the CT showed inflammation in the lung tissue. As a result, we’ll be administering antibiotics for the next few weeks and then checking the blood chemistry again. A small amount of free air of unknown origin was seen in the body cavity, which has contributed to the floating. We’ll continue to document floating and diving patterns to evaluate this air pocket.
For now, Fitzy is coming home! We’ll be working hard over the next few weeks to administer medications, encourage and assist feeding, and document defecation to make sure the GI tract is functioning properly.”
I’ll have more to tell you about her treatment, etc later today. Now I’m on my way to Rehab!