Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Snapping Turtle

Anyone Lose a Fishing Hook?

This adult male Snapping Turtle came to us from Fredericksburg, VA after a suspected vehicle collision. He suffered multiple fractures to the skull and jaw, AND radiographs showed that he had also ingested two hooks.

One hook was causing a partial blockage of his esophagus while the other was lower in his gastrointestinal tract.

Luckily, we can perform surgeries in house. This snapper underwent a two hourlong surgery for hook removal, fracture repair, and esophagostomy tube placement.

Turtles often do not breathe on their own during general anesthesia and require intubation and positive pressure ventilation. This allows us to breathe for them during these procedures. They also take a long time to recover from anesthesia. The photo above was taken two hours after the completion of the surgery and we are continuing to provide air by ambu-bag while he recovers.

Already, this patient is looking much better! He will be in care for the next several months as these fractures and surgical sites heal.

Hooks do not disintegrate in turtle’s stomachs. If you accidentally hook a turtle while fishing, or if they eat your bait hook and all, please make every effort to contain that animal and get it to a licensed rehabilitator or veterinarian for care!

Did you know?

Our wildlife hospital is also a TEACHING hospital! We train dozens of veterinary students, vet tech students, rehabbers, and educators each year. In the photo above Brittney, an OSU vet student, is assisting our Hospital Director, Dr. Jen Riley, in surgery.

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.