Meet Schnitzel

the story

About Schnitzel

Schnitzel was admitted after being found buoyant at the surface, unable to dive, with fishing line exiting from both the mouth and cloaca. The line had also wrapped tightly around the left front flipper, fracturing the humerus, and a hook was embedded deep in the shoulder. Radiographs showed abnormal gas accumulation, but the full extent of gastrointestinal involvement could not be confirmed. Medications were administered to support healing. Prognosis remained guarded, though Schnitzel had already shown an appetite—a positive sign in recovery.

Rescue

Schnitzel was found entangled in fishing line near a dock on the Intracoastal. The dock owners called our 24/7 stranding hotline as soon as they realized the turtle was in distress.

Diagnose

The monofilament was wrapped tightly around the front left flipper, cutting deeply into the skin. The line had also been ingested, as fishing line was visible emerging from the mouth and the cloaca. The line was extensive and had traveled through the entire digestive tract. Schnitzel also had small Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors present.

Care

Good nutrition and supportive intestinal care allowed the ingested fishing line to pass fully without causing additional damage. The injured flipper received topical wound treatments, and hyperbaric therapy was used to improve circulation to the affected area. Schnitzel underwent several FP tumor removal surgeries to remove all the tumors.

Fun Fact

Schnitzel was a staff favorite (shhh… don’t tell our other patients!) and continually kept the team entertained with the odd and endearing positions discovered when Schnitzel was fast asleep in the hospital tank.