CROW vets nurse turtle with broken shell back to health

SANIBEL, Fla. —

A striped mud turtle is recovering at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. after being brought in with a broken shell.

According to a Facebook post from CROW, a local found the turtle with a broken shell about six months ago and attempted to care for it themselves.

The individual taped the shell together, but eventually realized they couldn't properly care for the turtle and brought it into CROW.

CROW vets found that the shell fracture was still present, and had become necrotic and infested with maggots. The turtle was also severely dehydrated, according to CROW.

Vets removed the necrotic portion of the shell and started treating the turtle with antibiotics and regular wound care involving silver honey.

CROW said that due to the ongoing treatment, the shell fracture has healed, and the turtle's condition has improved.

CROW hopes the turtle will be ready for release back into the wild soon.

CROW also reminds people that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission prohibits the possession of these turtles or their removal from the wild. If you see a turtle or other wild animal in need of help, contact CROW for assistance.

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