Meet Cortina

the story

About Cortina

Cortina was found floating and unable to swim due to being cold stunned during unusually cold temperatures in Florida. Cortina and several hundred other sea turtles were cold stunned while residing in Mosquito Lagoon near the Canaveral National Seashore when the water temperatures dropped to near freezing. Cortina also had very large Fibropapilloma (FP) tumors present including a complex facial tumor inhibiting the ability to eat. 

Rescue

Cortina was rescued from the freezing temperatures in Mosquito Lagoon during an unusually cold snap in Florida. FWC with local agencies responded to the cold stunning event. Cortina was transported to STS for further evaluation due to poor body condition and large FP tumors. 

Diagnose

Radiographs showed that the large facial tumor was impacting the right eye and cheek bone. No other abnormalities were seen on radiographs. Bloodwork showed signs of starvation due to the large tumor making it hard for Cortina to eat. 

Care

Cortina required hand feeding due to the location of the large tumor impeding her ability to grab food independently. Once eating, Cortina regained energy and strength and was soon ready for the FP tumor to be surgically removed. Surgery was a success! Cortina was then monitored closely as the surgical incisions healed.

Fun Fact

FP tumors all grow differently. Some tumors can become very large, while others remain small. The texture of the tumors can also vary greatly on one patient. Turtles can live a normal life with small tumors present, but when the FP impedes vision, movement and/or the ability to eat, they must be surgically removed. FP tumors are commonly removed using a surgical C02 laser.