Meet Ragtime

the story

About Ragtime

Ragtime’s journey to our hospital began off the Deerfield Beach Pier when the sub-adult loggerhead was accidentally caught by a fisherman. Fortunately, Ragtime was not hooked but had become entangled in monofilament fishing line. The fisherman and pier attendants worked together to carefully lift the turtle from the water using a specialized sea turtle rescue net. These nets, found on many fishing piers throughout Florida, allow accidentally caught sea turtles to be safely brought ashore so trained stranding responders can assess their condition and arrange transport to a rehabilitation facility when needed. Thanks to the quick actions of the fisherman, pier staff, and responders, Ragtime was safely rescued and transported to our hospital for further evaluation and care.

Rescue

Many people worked together to help Ragtime reach our hospital. Once lifted onto the pier, a challenging task with an active 90-pound loggerhead, the turtle was placed in a quiet, shaded area while trained responders traveled to the scene. After an initial assessment, Ragtime was transported to the STS hospital for further evaluation and care.

Diagnose

Although Ragtime appeared healthy on arrival, diagnostics revealed a deeper issue. Radiographs showed a slowed digestive tract packed with crab shell fragments, while bloodwork indicated the turtle had not eaten in some time and was fighting a secondary infection. Ragtime was diagnosed with Debilitated Turtle Syndrome (DTS), which fortunately was caught in its early stages.

Care

Ragtime is receiving treatment to heal the gastrointestinal tract, pass the accumulated crab shell fragments, and fight the secondary infection. Once stable, the turtle will also receive antiparasitic medication. Debilitated Turtle Syndrome is often linked to Spirorchiid trematodes, parasites that live in the cardiovascular system and can impair a turtle’s ability to absorb nutrients and maintain good health.

Fun Fact

Loggerheads are the sea turtle species most commonly affected by DTS due to their diet. Spirorchiid parasites are associated with Vermetid sea snails, unusual marine gastropods that resemble worms more than traditional snails. While many turtles can live with these parasites, some become overwhelmed, leading to poor nutrient absorption and starvation.