A tiny Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii) hatchling arrived at CROW after suffering a severe shell injury from an unknown trauma. More than two-thirds of its carapace (shell) was fractured.

Fortunately, a thorough physical examination and radiographs revealed no additional fractures or injuries.  Our veterinary team anesthetized the turtle (patient 26-3538) so the wound could be carefully cleaned and debrided, removing damaged tissue and debris to give it the best chance to heal. They also stabilized the fracture with wire, hooks, and acrylic.

Recovery from a major shell fracture is a long process due to a turtle’s naturally low metabolic rate. This little turtle will receive pain medication, daily shallow-water soaks, frequent wound care, and regular examinations to monitor healing and watch for signs of infection.

While shell injuries can take several months to fully heal, this hatchling has an excellent prognosis and a very good chance of making a full recovery.

Turtles are incredibly resilient animals. Some of CROW’s turtle patients spend many months in rehabilitation before they are ready for release. During that time, they receive daily opportunities to bask in the Florida sunshine, explore secure outdoor enclosures, and graze naturally under the watchful care of CROW’s dedicated volunteers.

Striped Mud Turtles can live for up to 50 years and typically don’t reach adulthood until they are about 5 years old. Thanks to compassionate rescuers and specialized veterinary care, this tiny hatchling now has a second chance to grow into a healthy adult and one day return to the wild.

Every rescued wild animal reminds us that even the smallest patients are worth fighting for.

CROW Case A Week stories are patient features written by Jordan Bryant, CROW’s Education and Marketing Intern. These stories appear weekly in Santiva Chronicle.