Clinical management of a severe skull fracture in a loggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta )

Abstract

A 30.6 kg loggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta ) presented with a 2–3‐week‐old deep head wound, left neck and right cubital lacerations, and carapace fractures. Haematology revealed a marked leukocytosis, with other values unremarkable. Initial wound‐cleaning, an antibiotic course, fluids and vitamin B supplementation were initiated. Computed tomography revealed calvarial and cranial vault fractures with possible olfactory bulb involvement. Anaesthesia was administered to debride the wound and stabilise the skull fracture using bone screws joined by epoxy putty. After additional antibiotic and pain medicine courses, the loggerhead sea turtle regained appetite, and the skull became stable, allowing for release less than 2 years later. This case report highlights the ability of sea turtles to survive severe head injuries with medical and surgical management.